CVE-2021-45454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Ampere Altra before SRP 1.08b and Altra Max before SRP 2.05 allow information disclosure of power telemetry via HWmon.

Understanding CVE-2021-45454

This CVE pertains to information disclosure vulnerability in Ampere Altra processors.

What is CVE-2021-45454?

The vulnerability allows unauthorized disclosure of power telemetry through HWmon in specific versions of Ampere Altra processors.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45454

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive power telemetry data, compromising system integrity and potentially exposing critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45454

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue affects Ampere Altra processors before certain software release package versions, enabling unauthorized access to power telemetry via HWmon.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ampere Altra
Affected Versions: Altra before SRP 1.08b and Altra Max before SRP 2.05

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious actor to extract power telemetry data leveraging HWmon features.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address CVE-2021-45454.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Ampere Computing promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to power telemetry.
Restrict access to HWmon to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on the systems utilizing Ampere Altra processors.
Educate system administrators and users on potential threats related to information disclosure vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Ampere Computing.
Implement a proactive approach to installing security patches and firmware updates in a timely manner.