CVE-2021-28681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Pion WebRTC before version 3.0.15 had a vulnerability where the DTLS Connection was not properly torn down in case of certificate verification failure. Despite the PeerConnectionState being set to failed, users could still utilize the PeerConnection. This flaw enables users to continue using the connection even after verification failure, which is a critical security concern.

Understanding CVE-2021-28681

This section will provide an insight into the nature and implications of the CVE-2021-28681 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-28681?

Pion WebRTC version 3.0.15 and earlier had an issue where the DTLS Connection was not properly closed when certificate verification failed, allowing users to ignore verification failure and continue using the connection.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28681

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to maintain a PeerConnection despite certificate verification failures, posing a risk to the integrity and security of the communication.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28681

Let's delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-28681 and understand how the vulnerability manifests.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Pion WebRTC before version 3.0.15 allowed users to bypass certificate verification failure and continue using the PeerConnection, leading to a potential security breach.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Pion WebRTC before 3.0.15 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to maintain a PeerConnection despite certificate verification failures, potentially eavesdropping or tampering with communication.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we'll explore the mitigation strategies and precautionary measures to safeguard systems from CVE-2021-28681.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Pion WebRTC to version 3.0.15 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and ensure proper DTLS Connection closure upon certificate verification failure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories and apply patches promptly to address any known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.