CVE-2021-36147 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in ACRN before 2.5 that allows a NULL pointer dereference in 'virtio_net_ping_rxq' function for 'vq->used'. This vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2021-36147 by MITRE.

Understanding CVE-2021-36147

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-36147.

What is CVE-2021-36147?

CVE-2021-36147 is a vulnerability found in ACRN before version 2.5, enabling a NULL pointer dereference in the 'virtio_net_ping_rxq' function for 'vq->used'.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36147

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the system or executing arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36147

Let's delve into the specifics of the vulnerability to understand its implications better.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in ACRN versions prior to 2.5 due to inadequate pointer handling in the 'virtio_net_ping_rxq' function, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of ACRN before 2.5 are affected by this vulnerability, exposing systems to potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted network packets to trigger the NULL pointer dereference flaw, potentially leading to system crashes or malicious code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-36147, immediate steps need to be taken alongside practicing long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade ACRN to version 2.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting the 'virtio_net_ping_rxq' function.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch ACRN to ensure all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Implement network intrusion detection systems to detect and block malicious traffic aiming to exploit system weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from ACRN and apply patches promptly to fortify your systems against known vulnerabilities.