CVE-2021-38111 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A buffer overflow vulnerability in the DEF CON 27 badge can be exploited by remote attackers via the NFMI protocol.

Understanding CVE-2021-38111

This vulnerability allows attackers to trigger a buffer overflow by sending a large packet through the NFMI protocol.

What is CVE-2021-38111?

The DEF CON 27 badge is susceptible to a remote buffer overflow attack via the NFMI protocol, potentially leading to unauthorized access or denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38111

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow threat actors to execute arbitrary code, crash the device, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38111

The following technical aspects highlight the vulnerability further.

Vulnerability Description

A buffer overflow vulnerability in the DEF CON 27 badge enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by sending an oversized packet through the NFMI protocol.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects all versions of the DEF CON 27 badge that utilize the NFMI protocol.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and sending a specifically designed oversized packet through the NFMI protocol, triggering a buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-38111 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to disable the NFMI protocol on the DEF CON 27 badge as a temporary workaround until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong input validation and regularly updating firmware can help prevent similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches provided by the vendor to address the CVE-2021-38111 vulnerability.