CVE-2021-36144 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A use-after-free vulnerability was discovered in the polling timer handler of ACRN before version 2.5, specifically affecting freed virtio devices. This vulnerability is related to devicemodel/hw/pci/virtio/*.c.

Understanding CVE-2021-36144

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-36144 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-36144?

The polling timer handler in ACRN before version 2.5 suffers from a use-after-free issue related to freed virtio devices, specifically impacting devicemodel/hw/pci/virtio/*.c.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36144

The vulnerability could be exploited to trigger a use-after-free condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or a system crash.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36144

Exploring the technical specifics of CVE-2021-36144.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free issue in the polling timer handler of ACRN before version 2.5 allows attackers to target freed virtio devices, creating a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

ACRN versions prior to 2.5 are affected by this vulnerability, particularly in the handling of virtio devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the polling timer handler of ACRN to access freed virtio devices, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-36144.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update ACRN to version 2.5 or newer to mitigate the use-after-free vulnerability in the polling timer handler.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain secure coding practices and regularly update systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for ACRN and apply patches promptly to protect systems.