CVE-2021-3166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the critical CVE-2021-3166 vulnerability in ASUS DSL-N14U-B1 devices allowing attackers to upload malicious content as a firmware update, leading to service disruptions.
A critical vulnerability has been identified in ASUS DSL-N14U-B1 1.1.2.3_805 devices that allows an attacker to upload malicious content posing as a firmware update, resulting in a persistent outage of services.
Understanding CVE-2021-3166
This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-3166 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-3166?
The CVE-2021-3166 vulnerability exists in ASUS DSL-N14U-B1 1.1.2.3_805 devices, enabling an attacker to upload arbitrary file content disguised as a firmware update, leading to the invocation of shutdown measures on various services.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3166
The exploitation of CVE-2021-3166 can result in a sustained disruption of essential services due to the unauthorized upload of malicious content.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3166
This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-3166 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
An unauthorized party can exploit the vulnerability by utilizing the filename Settings_DSL-N14U-B1.trx to upload malicious content, tricking the system into triggering shutdown measures across multiple services.
Affected Systems and Versions
The ASUS DSL-N14U-B1 1.1.2.3_805 devices are specifically impacted by CVE-2021-3166, making them vulnerable to the described attack.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent security measures by uploading malicious content, masquerading as a legitimate firmware update, leading to service disruptions.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we discuss the remediation steps to address CVE-2021-3166.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is crucial to implement network-level controls and restrict unauthorized access to prevent the upload of malicious firmware updates on affected devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security audits, software updates, and employee training on identifying unauthorized uploads are essential in maintaining robust cybersecurity.
Patching and Updates
ASUS should release patches promptly to fix the vulnerability and prevent attackers from exploiting the firmware upload flaw.