CVE-2021-21280 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-21280 where Contiki-NG is susceptible to an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in 6LoWPAN extension headers, impacting system integrity and requiring immediate patching for mitigation.
Contiki-NG, an open-source operating system for IoT devices, is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds write issue before version 4.6 when processing 6LoWPAN packets. This vulnerability can result in unauthorized data modification outside the allowed memory space.
Understanding CVE-2021-21280
Contiki-NG is susceptible to an out-of-bounds write security flaw when dealing with 6LoWPAN extension headers, potentially leading to severe consequences.
What is CVE-2021-21280?
The CVE-2021-21280 vulnerability in Contiki-NG allows attackers to execute an out-of-bounds write operation on the affected systems, triggering a security breach.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21280
The vulnerability poses a high risk to system availability, with a base severity score of 8.6. Attackers can exploit this issue with a low complexity attack through a network vector.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21280
CVE-2021-21280 involves an out-of-bounds write scenario that occurs in Contiki-NG versions earlier than 4.6, specifically related to the processing of 6LoWPAN extension headers.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw allows for unauthorized write operations beyond the permitted boundaries, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate system memory outside the designated buffer space.
Affected Systems and Versions
Contiki-NG versions prior to 4.6 are impacted by this vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of timely updates to secure affected systems.
Exploitation Mechanism
By exploiting this vulnerability, threat actors can execute malicious actions and compromise system integrity via unauthorized data modifications.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21280, users are advised to take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Apply the patch provided in Contiki-NG version 4.6 to address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability and enhance system security.
Long-Term Security Practices
Establish strict security protocols, perform regular system updates, and monitor for any unusual activities to prevent potential security breaches.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security patches and updates from Contiki-NG to ensure that the system is protected against emerging threats.