CVE-2021-41374 in Azure Sphere
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2021
Azure Sphere Information Disclosure Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-41375, CVE-2021-41376.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2021
The Azure Sphere Information Disclosure Vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41374 represents a significant security flaw within Microsoft's Azure Sphere platform, which is designed to provide comprehensive security for Internet of Things devices. This vulnerability specifically affects the secure element component of Azure Sphere devices, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that could compromise the integrity of connected IoT ecosystems. The issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the device's security architecture, potentially allowing attackers to extract confidential information that should remain protected within the secure execution environment.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the device's secure element operations, where insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms enable adversaries to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly isolate critical data structures, allowing information leakage through indirect channels that bypass normal security boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper information disclosure vulnerabilities, and demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining data confidentiality within embedded security systems. The vulnerability affects the underlying security protocols that govern how Azure Sphere devices handle authentication credentials, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive operational data.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41374 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially undermine entire IoT deployments that rely on Azure Sphere for security. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to device-specific identifiers, security certificates, and other metadata that could be used for further attacks within the network. This information disclosure capability creates opportunities for lateral movement attacks and can significantly weaken the overall security posture of IoT ecosystems. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that Azure Sphere devices are typically deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security breaches could have severe operational consequences. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1041 (Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel), highlighting the potential for both information gathering and data exfiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security update channels, as well as comprehensive security assessments of existing Azure Sphere deployments. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual data access patterns. The remediation process involves updating the secure element firmware and ensuring proper input validation mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized information disclosure. Security teams must also conduct thorough risk assessments to identify any devices that may be vulnerable and implement additional access controls to protect sensitive operational data. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to maintain the integrity of the Azure Sphere ecosystem and prevent similar information disclosure incidents from occurring in the future.