CVE-2021-34405 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-34405 affecting NVIDIA SHIELD TV devices, leading to denial of service due to an unchecked return value and null pointer dereference. Take immediate steps to update and secure your systems.
NVIDIA Linux distributions contain a vulnerability in TrustZone's TEE_Malloc function, where an unchecked return value causing a null pointer dereference may lead to denial of service.
Understanding CVE-2021-34405
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in NVIDIA's SHIELD TV devices that could result in a denial of service due to a null pointer dereference.
What is CVE-2021-34405?
The vulnerability lies within the TrustZone's TEE_Malloc function in NVIDIA Linux distributions. This flaw could potentially allow an attacker to trigger a denial of service due to an unchecked return value causing a null pointer dereference.
The Impact of CVE-2021-34405
With a CVSS base score of 5.5 (Medium severity), this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service on affected systems. The attack vector is local, and the availability impact is high.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-34405
The technical details of the CVE include the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from an unchecked return value in TrustZone's TEE_Malloc function, potentially causing a null pointer dereference and resulting in denial of service.
Affected Systems and Versions
NVIDIA's SHIELD TV devices are affected, specifically all versions prior to SE 9.0. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the unchecked return value, triggering the null pointer dereference and subsequently causing a denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-34405, immediate steps should be taken along with the adoption of long-term security practices and regular patching.
Immediate Steps to Take
Affected users should consider updating their SHIELD TV devices to SE 9.0 or higher to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust security measures, such as access controls and network monitoring, can enhance overall security posture and prevent potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by NVIDIA is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security of SHIELD TV devices.