CVE-2021-37564 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

MediaTek microchips, as used in NETGEAR devices through 2021-11-11 and other devices, mishandle IEEE 1905 protocols, impacting various chipsets and software versions. The vulnerability can lead to an out-of-bounds read with a CVSS base score of 8.2, posing a high severity risk.

Understanding CVE-2021-37564

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-37564 vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-37564?

CVE-2021-37564 relates to the mishandling of IEEE 1905 protocols by MediaTek microchips, affecting certain chipsets like MT7603E, MT7613, MT7615, and software versions 2.0.2. This issue can result in an out-of-bounds read vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37564

With a CVSS base score of 8.2, this vulnerability has a high severity level, particularly impacting confidentiality. Attackers exploiting this issue could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37564

In this section, you will find technical specifics of the CVE-2021-37564 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of IEEE 1905 protocols by MediaTek microchips, leading to an out-of-bounds read scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

Chipsets including MT7603E, MT7613, MT7615, MT7622, MT7628, MT7629, MT7915, along with software version 2.0.2 are known to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of this vulnerability typically occurs over a network with low complexity, requiring no user interaction or special privileges. It can compromise the confidentiality of data with a relatively low impact on availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here you will find actionable steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37564 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Network administrators are advised to apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for any suspicious activities is crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits can help enhance overall cybersecurity posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about firmware updates and security advisories from MediaTek and NETGEAR to ensure that affected systems are promptly patched with the latest fixes and improvements.