CVE-2021-37562 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article discusses CVE-2021-37562, a vulnerability related to MediaTek microchips used in NETGEAR and other devices. The article covers the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2021-37562

CVE-2021-37562 is a vulnerability associated with MediaTek microchips, particularly impacting NETGEAR devices through 2021-11-11 and other devices due to mishandling of the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) protocol.

What is CVE-2021-37562?

The vulnerability involves out-of-bounds read in affected chipsets including MT7603E, MT7610, MT7612, MT7613, MT7615, MT7620, MT7622, MT7628, MT7629, and MT7915, along with software versions 7.4.0.0.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37562

With a CVSS base score of 8.2 (High severity), the vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality and could be exploited remotely without privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37562

The technical details of CVE-2021-37562 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the mishandling of the WPS protocol in MediaTek microchips, leading to an out-of-bounds read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Impacted chipsets include MT7603E, MT7610, MT7612, MT7613, MT7615, MT7620, MT7622, MT7628, MT7629, and MT7915, with affected software version 7.4.0.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction, posing a confidentiality risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-37562, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches from the respective vendors promptly.
Monitor for any unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploits.
Educate users on secure Wi-Fi practices to minimize risks of unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from vendors to ensure timely patching of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-37562.