CVE-2021-34396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in NVIDIA Jetson TX2 series and TX2 NX devices that could allow unauthorized software to overwrite NVIDIA MB2 code within the bootloader, resulting in a limited denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2021-34396

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-34396 vulnerability affecting NVIDIA Jetson TX2 series and TX2 NX.

What is CVE-2021-34396?

The vulnerability lies in the bootloader's access permission settings, enabling unauthorized software to overwrite NVIDIA MB2 code, leading to a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34396

The impact of this vulnerability includes a limited denial of service on the affected devices, potentially disrupting normal operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34396

In this section, we explore the technical aspects surrounding CVE-2021-34396.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper access permission settings in the bootloader, allowing unauthorized software to overwrite critical NVIDIA MB2 code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects NVIDIA Jetson TX2 series and TX2 NX devices running all Jetson Linux versions prior to r32.5.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access and high privileges, making it more challenging for remote attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here we discuss the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-34396.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update the affected devices to Jetson Linux version r32.5.1 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized software from tampering with NVIDIA MB2 code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce strict access controls and regular security updates to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security patches from NVIDIA and apply updates promptly to ensure the security of your devices.