CVE-2021-27431 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting ARM CMSIS RTOS2 versions prior to 2.1.3. This vulnerability allows an integer wrap-around in the inosRtxMemoryAlloc function, which is equivalent to a local malloc. The result can lead to arbitrary memory allocation, potentially causing unexpected behavior, including crashing of the application or execution of injected code.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.3, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that attackers may exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort. Since no privileges are required and no user interaction is necessary, the risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and potential system instability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, and although there are currently no known exploits in the wild, the potential for exploitation remains a significant concern.
ARM has released patches and updates to mitigate this vulnerability. It is crucial for organizations using affected versions to implement the recommended fixes to maintain the security and integrity of their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-27431 highlights the integer wrap-around issue within the ARM CMSIS RTOS2 framework. The vulnerability type is classified under CWE-190. The CVSS score can vary between 7.3 to 9.8 depending on the source, with the NVD listing it as critical due to its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected product is identified as CMSIS RTOS, and the vendor is ARM. The initial publication date of this vulnerability was on May 3, 2022.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-27431 is an integer wrap-around in the memory allocation function inosRtxMemoryAlloc. This function is responsible for managing memory dynamically, and improper handling of integer values can lead to unexpected memory allocation results.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit it remotely. The attack complexity is assessed as low, meaning that it does not require advanced skills to execute. No privileges are needed to perform this attack, nor is user interaction required.
Impacts include low confidentiality, integrity, and availability, indicating that while the risk is significant, it may not result in total system compromise.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential crashes of systems using ARM CMSIS RTOS2 and the possibility of arbitrary code execution. This could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is concerning, especially in environments where ARM CMSIS RTOS2 is a critical component. Organizations must assess their deployment to understand the potential impact of this vulnerability on their operations.
Given the CVSS score and the associated risks, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate potential threats.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the ARM CMSIS RTOS2 include all versions prior to 2.1.3. Organizations are advised to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2021-27431, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by ARM. Specifically, upgrading to CMSIS RTOS2 version 2.1.3 or later is essential.
If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure to potential attacks. Organizations should also review their configuration settings to ensure they follow best practices for security.
For further guidance on security best practices, organizations may refer to resources on penetration testing and security assessments.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual memory allocation patterns or crashes in applications using CMSIS RTOS2. Behavioral anomalies should be investigated promptly to identify potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-27431 highlights the importance of rigorous memory management in real-time operating systems. It serves as a reminder for security teams to regularly audit their systems for vulnerabilities that may lead to memory-related exploits.
This vulnerability represents a pattern where improper input validation can result in severe impacts. It is crucial for security teams to adopt a proactive stance on vulnerability management, including regular assessments and updates.
Organizations should consider leveraging services such as application security assessments to enhance their security posture.
Furthermore, the insights from this vulnerability can inform future defensive strategies and help organizations avoid similar vulnerabilities. Engaging in regular continuous penetration testing practices can ensure that systems remain resilient against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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