CVE-2021-38937 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-38937, a vulnerability impacting IBM PowerVM Hypervisor versions FW940, FW950, and FW1010.

Understanding CVE-2021-38937

CVE-2021-38937 is a vulnerability in IBM PowerVM Hypervisor that allows an authenticated user to trigger a system crash using a specially crafted IBMi Hypervisor call.

What is CVE-2021-38937?

The vulnerability in IBM PowerVM Hypervisor versions FW940, FW950, and FW1010 could be exploited by an authenticated user to crash the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38937

The CVSS v3.0 base score for this vulnerability is 6.3, with a medium severity rating. The attack complexity is high, and the availability impact is also rated as high. The exploit code maturity is unproven.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38937

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-38937 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to cause a system crash through a specially crafted IBMi Hypervisor call.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PowerVM Hypervisor
Vendor: IBM
Vulnerable Versions: FW940, FW950, FW1010

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated user leveraging a specially crafted IBMi Hypervisor call.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-38937, it is essential to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM.
Monitor for any unauthorized system crashes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the IBM PowerVM Hypervisor to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates for IBM PowerVM Hypervisor to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.