CVE-2021-41613 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2021-41613, published on April 18, 2023, relates to an issue in the OpenRISC mor1kx processor controller unit affecting the write logic of the Exception Effective Address Register (EEAR). The vulnerability prevents authorized user programs from writing to EEAR.

Understanding CVE-2021-41613

The vulnerability in the controller unit of the OpenRISC mor1kx processor impacts the write logic of EEAR, hindering write operations from authorized privilege levels.

What is CVE-2021-41613?

CVE-2021-41613 exposes a flaw in the handling of the Exception Effective Address Register (EEAR) within the OpenRISC mor1kx processor. This issue prevents user programs with authorized privilege levels from performing write operations to the EEAR.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41613

The vulnerability could lead to disruptions in user programs that require write access to the EEAR, potentially affecting system stability and functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41613

The technical aspects of the CVE-2021-41613 vulnerability provide insights into its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the write logic of the EEAR within the OpenRISC mor1kx processor results in an inability for user programs at authorized privilege levels to write to the EEAR.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: n/a (affected)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by user programs at authorized privilege levels attempting to write data to the EEAR, triggering the incorrect write logic behavior.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial in addressing the CVE-2021-41613 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor security advisories for patches or workarounds from the vendor or security community.
Restrict access to sensitive systems and information.
Implement least privilege access controls.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch system components and applications.
Conduct security training and awareness programs for staff regarding privilege escalation risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure to apply patches provided by the OpenRISC community or security advisories to address the vulnerability effectively.