CVE-2021-43997 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-43997 affecting FreeRTOS versions 10.2.0 to 10.4.5, allowing privilege escalation through crafted stack frames. Find mitigation steps and updates.
FreeRTOS versions 10.2.0 through 10.4.5 have vulnerabilities that allow non-kernel code to raise privilege and enable further privilege escalation.
Understanding CVE-2021-43997
What is CVE-2021-43997?
FreeRTOS versions 10.2.0 through 10.4.5 do not prevent non-kernel code from calling xPortRaisePrivilege to raise privilege. A third party with injected code can further escalate privilege through crafted stack frames, affecting ARMv7-M MPU ports and ARMv8-M ports with MPU support.
The Impact of CVE-2021-43997
These vulnerabilities can result in privilege escalation, allowing unauthorized access and control of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-43997
Vulnerability Description
The issues allow non-kernel code to raise privilege and enable further escalation through crafted stack frames, impacting specific MPU ports.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: n/a
- Product: n/a
- Versions: 10.2.0 to 10.4.5
Exploitation Mechanism
- Non-kernel code can call xPortRaisePrivilege to raise privilege
- Third parties with injected code can further escalate privilege by crafting stack frames
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to FreeRTOS V10.5.0 or V10.4.3-LTS Patch 3
- Restrict access to vulnerable systems
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and firmware
- Implement least privilege access controls
Patching and Updates
- Apply the recommended patches provided by FreeRTOS