Raspberry Pi OS through version 5.10 has a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to exploit the default password for the pi account. If left unchanged, this vulnerability enables unauthorized users to gain administrator privileges, posing significant risks to security. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, categorizing it as critical, which underscores the urgency for organizations to implement remediation measures.
The exploitation of this vulnerability is straightforward due to the low complexity required for an attack. As there are no authentication requirements and no user interaction involved, the attack vector is network-based. Consequently, the risk to organizations includes potential full control over the affected systems, leading to data breaches and system compromises.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to severe operational disruptions and data integrity issues, especially in environments where Raspberry Pi systems are deployed in sensitive roles.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, it should be classified as high priority for remediation within organizations utilizing Raspberry Pi OS. Immediate action is essential to secure systems against potential unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that Raspberry Pi OS through version 5.10 has the raspberry default password for the pi account. If not changed, attackers can gain administrator privileges. This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-1188. The publication date of the CVE is December 7, 2021.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, which means that the likelihood of exploitation is high. No privileges are required to execute the attack, and user interaction is not necessary.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the retention of a default password that is widely known and easily exploitable. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to target devices without physical access. With low attack complexity, attackers can leverage automated tools to exploit systems without difficulty.
No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, and no user interaction is needed. As a result, the confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are high, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is substantial. Organizations that fail to change the default password risk unauthorized access to their systems, which could lead to data breaches and significant operational disruptions. The blast radius of an attack exploiting this vulnerability could extend across entire networks if multiple devices are affected.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability urgently, considering the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation. Immediate patching or remediation efforts are necessary to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of Raspberry Pi OS Lite up to and including version 5.10. Organizations should ensure that they update to the latest version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should change the default password for the pi account immediately after installation. Additionally, it is recommended to implement password policies that enforce strong password creation. For further guidance on configuring Raspberry Pi OS securely, refer to the official documentation on the configuration pages.
Detection Guidance
To detect the exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized access attempts using the default credentials. Behavioral anomalies in user account activities should also be investigated, particularly for the pi account.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure configuration practices. Organizations should prioritize the management of default credentials in their security policies to prevent similar vulnerabilities. For comprehensive security assessments, organizations may consider penetration testing services to identify and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.
Furthermore, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and trends in cybersecurity. Regular training and awareness programs can help mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-38759. For more insights into securing environments against similar threats, organizations should explore vulnerability management programs that address the root causes of security weaknesses.
In conclusion, proactive measures in security practices are essential to safeguard against vulnerabilities like this one. Organizations should prioritize security by design and integrate best practices into their operational policies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)