CVE-2021-38547 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Logitech Z120 and S120 speakers through 2021-08-09 are vulnerable to a remote attack known as the "Glowworm" attack. Attackers can recover speech signals from an LED on the device using a telescope and electro-optical sensor.

Understanding CVE-2021-38547

This CVE ID refers to the vulnerability found in Logitech Z120 and S120 speakers, allowing unauthorized remote access to recover speech signals from the LED on the device.

What is CVE-2021-38547?

The vulnerability in Logitech Z120 and S120 speakers enables remote attackers to extract speech signals from the power indicator LED by using a telescope and electro-optical sensor. This technique, known as the "Glowworm" attack, takes advantage of the correlation between the power consumption of the speakers and the light intensity of the LEDs.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38547

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized eavesdropping on conversations or audio played through the affected speakers, compromising the privacy and security of users. The Glowworm attack highlights the importance of securing IoT devices against innovative attack vectors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38547

The technical details of CVE-2021-38547 are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote threat actors to recover speech signals from the LED on Logitech Z120 and S120 speakers. The correlation between power consumption and LED light intensity facilitates this covert data extraction method.

Affected Systems and Versions

Logitech Z120 and S120 speakers through 2021-08-09 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing users to the Glowworm attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging a telescope and electro-optical sensor directed at the power indicator LEDs of the speakers, attackers can analyze power consumption variations to retrieve audio signals.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38547, the following mitigation and prevention strategies are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disconnect the speakers from power sources when not in use to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Implement physical security measures to restrict access to the speakers and prevent tampering.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the firmware of the affected speakers to address security vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities indicating unauthorized access attempts.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Logitech regarding CVE-2021-38547 and apply patches or updates promptly to safeguard against potential exploits.