CVE-2021-1110 in KernelJetson AGX Xavier
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2021
NVIDIA Linux kernel distributions on Jetson Xavier contain a vulnerability in camera firmware where a user can change input data after validation, which may lead to complete denial of service and serious data corruption of all kernel components.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1110 affects NVIDIA Linux kernel distributions deployed on Jetson Xavier platforms, specifically targeting the camera firmware component. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and reliability of embedded systems designed for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and edge computing applications. The vulnerability manifests in the camera firmware validation process where input data validation occurs but can be subsequently modified by unauthorized users, creating a dangerous window of opportunity for system compromise.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the camera firmware subsystem, which allows malicious actors to manipulate data after initial verification has been completed. This represents a classic case of insufficient validation or sanitization, categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and potentially related to CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index." The vulnerability exists at the firmware level where the system validates incoming camera data but fails to maintain data integrity throughout the processing pipeline, enabling attackers to inject modified data that can persist beyond the initial validation phase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple service disruption, as it can result in complete denial of service conditions that render the entire system non-functional. More critically, the vulnerability can lead to serious data corruption of all kernel components, which compromises the fundamental integrity of the operating system. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 as "Direct Network Attack" and T1566.001 as "Phishing" when considering how attackers might gain access to modify camera input data. The corruption affects kernel components because the camera firmware operates at a privileged level within the system architecture, allowing modifications to propagate to critical system resources.
The implications for embedded systems security are particularly severe given that Jetson Xavier platforms are commonly deployed in autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and defense applications where system reliability is paramount. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to cause system crashes, data loss, or even potentially manipulate sensor data that feeds into autonomous decision-making algorithms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because camera inputs are often considered trusted sources of data within these systems, making the exploitation of this vulnerability particularly insidious. Organizations deploying these systems must consider the potential for cascading failures where corruption of camera data could affect other interconnected systems that rely on accurate sensor inputs.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that maintain data integrity throughout the entire processing lifecycle, rather than relying on single validation points. System administrators should consider implementing firmware update policies that ensure all camera firmware components are regularly patched and monitored for similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of secure boot mechanisms and runtime integrity checks can help prevent unauthorized modifications to camera firmware components. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors that could lead to manipulation of camera input data. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other firmware components, particularly those that handle critical sensor data within embedded systems.