CVE-2021-42205 : What You Need to Know

ELAN Miniport touchpad Windows driver vulnerability that allows local users to cause a system crash.

Understanding CVE-2021-42205

What is CVE-2021-42205?

The CVE-2021-42205 vulnerability exists in the ELAN Miniport touchpad Windows driver before version 24.21.51.2. This driver, found in PC hardware from various manufacturers, permits local users to induce a system crash by sending a specific IOCTL request, which is handled redundantly.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42205

This vulnerability could be exploited by local users to crash systems, potentially disrupting normal operations and causing data loss or downtime.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42205

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the ELAN Miniport touchpad Windows driver before version 24.21.51.2 allows local users to trigger a system crash by sending a certain IOCTL request that is processed twice.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Vulnerable Version: ELAN Miniport touchpad Windows driver before 24.21.51.2
Status: Affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local users sending a specific IOCTL request.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable unnecessary services and limit user privileges to reduce the attack surface.
Regularly monitor and update system drivers to ensure the latest security patches are applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and regularly review user permissions.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Update to the latest version of the ELAN Miniport touchpad Windows driver (24.21.51.2) to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance system security.