CVE-2021-30636 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In MediaTek LinkIt SDK before 4.6.1, an integer overflow during mishandled memory allocation by pvPortCalloc and pvPortRealloc can lead to possible memory corruption.

Understanding CVE-2021-30636

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in MediaTek LinkIt SDK pre version 4.6.1, highlighting an issue with memory allocation that could result in memory corruption.

What is CVE-2021-30636?

In MediaTek LinkIt SDK before 4.6.1, an integer overflow causes memory corruption during mishandled memory allocation by pvPortCalloc and pvPortRealloc.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30636

The vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to exploit the integer overflow and execute malicious activities, compromising the integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30636

This section provides insights into the vulnerability's technical aspects.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from an integer overflow during memory allocation, specifically in pvPortCalloc and pvPortRealloc functions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running MediaTek LinkIt SDK versions before 4.6.1 are vulnerable to this memory corruption issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering the integer overflow, causing memory corruption and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-30636, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to MediaTek LinkIt SDK version 4.6.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation of the memory corruption issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in the future.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits of the system to identify and address any new vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by MediaTek for the LinkIt SDK, ensuring timely application to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.