CVE-2021-34404 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Android images for NVIDIA SHIELD TV contain a vulnerability in BROM that may allow an unprivileged attacker with physical access to cause denial of service or impact integrity and confidentiality beyond the security scope of BROM.

Understanding CVE-2021-34404

This CVE refers to a security issue found in the Android images provided by NVIDIA for SHIELD TV.

What is CVE-2021-34404?

The vulnerability in BROM could enable an attacker with physical access to trigger denial of service or compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34404

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.1, indicating a high severity level with potential integrity, confidentiality, and availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34404

The technical aspects of the CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in BROM fails to limit access to AHB-DMA, potentially leading to denial of service or unauthorized access beyond BROM's security boundaries.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the SHIELD TV prior to SE 9.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an unprivileged attacker with physical access to the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-34404, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches provided by NVIDIA. Limit physical access to vulnerable devices and monitor for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce strict access controls, follow least privilege principles, and keep systems up to date with the latest security patches.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from NVIDIA and apply them promptly to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-34404.