CVE-2021-1108 in Jetson AGX Xavier
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2021
NVIDIA Linux kernel distributions contain a vulnerability in FuSa Capture (VI/ISP), where integer underflow due to lack of input validation may lead to complete denial of service, partial integrity, and serious confidentiality loss for all processes in the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1108 affects NVIDIA Linux kernel distributions and resides within the FuSa Capture functionality of the Video Interface/Imaging Signal Processor subsystem. This critical flaw manifests as an integer underflow condition that occurs due to insufficient input validation mechanisms within the kernel modules responsible for video processing operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the VI/ISP component which handles video capture and image signal processing tasks in NVIDIA graphics systems. When malicious input parameters are processed without proper validation, the integer underflow condition can be triggered, leading to unpredictable system behavior and severe security implications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the absence of proper input sanitization within the FuSa Capture module, where integer underflow conditions occur when arithmetic operations result in values that fall below the minimum representable integer range. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and more specifically aligns with CWE-191 which addresses Integer Underflow. The flaw exists in the kernel space processing of video capture requests, where the system fails to validate the range of input parameters before performing arithmetic operations. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted inputs that cause the integer underflow, which then propagates through the system's memory management and process handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1108 extends far beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it creates opportunities for complete system compromise and data exposure. The vulnerability can lead to complete denial of service across all processes in the system, effectively rendering the entire computing environment unusable for legitimate operations. Additionally, the flaw enables partial integrity compromise, allowing attackers to modify critical system data or process memory contents without detection. Most concerning is the potential for serious confidentiality loss, where sensitive information from all system processes may be exposed due to the memory corruption resulting from the integer underflow. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1499.004 for Endpoint Denial of Service, as it provides both system compromise and denial of service capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1108 require immediate patch deployment from NVIDIA, as the vulnerability affects kernel-level components that cannot be effectively protected through traditional application-level security measures. System administrators should prioritize updating their NVIDIA Linux kernel distributions to versions that include the patched FuSa Capture module with proper input validation. The implementation of additional security controls such as kernel module signing verification and runtime integrity monitoring can provide supplementary protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of device drivers and kernel modules before deployment in production environments.