CVE-2021-35055 : What You Need to Know

MediaTek microchips, including those in NETGEAR devices and others, are vulnerable to a WPS protocol issue. This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute out-of-bounds write attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-35055

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-35055 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-35055?

The CVE-2021-35055 vulnerability affects MediaTek microchips commonly found in NETGEAR devices and various other products. It revolves around the mishandling of the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) protocol, potentially leading to security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35055

With a CVSS base score of 8.2 (High Severity), this vulnerability poses a significant threat to confidentiality. Attackers could exploit it to compromise affected systems without requiring any special privileges. While integrity impact is none, confidentiality is at risk due to out-of-bounds write concerns.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35055

To effectively address the CVE-2021-35055 vulnerability, understanding its technical intricacies, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms is crucial.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the mishandling of the WPS protocol in MediaTek microchips, potentially leading to out-of-bounds write issues. Chipsets such as MT7603E, MT7610, MT7612, and others are among the affected hardware. Furthermore, software versions like 7.4.0.0 exhibit vulnerabilities to this exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products incorporating MediaTek chipsets, including NETGEAR devices and other gadgets, may be susceptible to the CVE-2021-35055 vulnerability. Specific affected software versions include 7.4.0.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the WPS protocol to execute out-of-bounds write attacks, potentially compromising the confidentiality of the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate action to address the CVE-2021-35055 vulnerability is critical to safeguard vulnerable systems and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Network administrators and end-users should apply relevant security patches or updates provided by MediaTek and other manufacturers to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-35055. Disabling WPS functionality could also help reduce the exposure to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust network security measures, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about firmware updates are essential for maintaining a secure environment and preventing future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring security advisories from vendors and promptly applying patches or updates can help address vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-35055 and ensure the continuous protection of network infrastructure and connected devices.