CVE-2021-36613 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-36613, a vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS before 6.48.2 allowing remote attackers to cause a DoS through memory corruption. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this security risk.
Mikrotik RouterOS before stable 6.48.2 is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability in the ptp process. This vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated remote attacker to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) by causing a NULL pointer dereference.
Understanding CVE-2021-36613
This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its impact.
What is CVE-2021-36613?
CVE-2021-36613 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS before stable 6.48.2 that allows an authenticated remote attacker to exploit the ptp process, leading to a DoS through a NULL pointer dereference.
The Impact of CVE-2021-36613
The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a complete Denial of Service, affecting the availability of the affected Mikrotik RouterOS devices.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-36613
In this section, we dive into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a memory corruption issue in the ptp process of Mikrotik RouterOS before stable 6.48.2. This flaw can be abused by authenticated remote attackers.
Affected Systems and Versions
All versions of Mikrotik RouterOS before stable 6.48.2 are affected by this vulnerability, making them susceptible to exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker with remote access and authentication can exploit the vulnerability by triggering a NULL pointer dereference in the ptp process, leading to a DoS condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-36613, immediate and long-term security measures need to be implemented.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to update Mikrotik RouterOS to version 6.48.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, restrict network access and user privileges to minimize the attack surface.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor for security advisories from Mikrotik and apply patches promptly to address any potential vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls can also enhance overall security.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by Mikrotik for RouterOS and ensure timely application of patches to keep the system protected.