Overview
CVE-2021-4465 describes a remote denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the ReQuest Serious Play F3 Media Server. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to shut down or reboot the device by sending a specially crafted HTTP GET request. This effectively interrupts service availability.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and/or error handling within the ReQuest Serious Play F3 Media Server’s web interface. By sending a malformed HTTP GET request to a specific endpoint, an attacker can trigger a process crash or system reboot. The lack of authentication allows anyone on the network (or potentially the internet, if the server is exposed) to initiate the attack.
Affected versions include:
- 7.0.3.4968 (Pro)
- 7.0.2.4954
- 6.5.2.4954
- 6.4.2.4681
- 6.3.2.4203
- 2.0.1.823
CVSS Analysis
Due to incomplete information, a CVSS score is unavailable for this vulnerability. However, given the ability to cause a denial of service without authentication, the potential impact is considered significant. A typical CVSS score for a remote, unauthenticated DoS vulnerability would likely fall in the High range.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2021-4465 can lead to:
- Complete disruption of media server services.
- Inability for users to access or stream content.
- Potential data loss if the server crashes during write operations (less likely, but possible).
- Increased operational costs due to troubleshooting and server restarts.
This vulnerability is particularly critical in environments where the ReQuest Serious Play F3 Media Server is essential for business operations, entertainment, or critical services.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
Unfortunately, specific patch information for CVE-2021-4465 is difficult to obtain based on publicly available sources. The recommended mitigation steps are as follows:
- Contact ReQuest directly: Reach out to ReQuest support to inquire about available patches or updated firmware versions that address this vulnerability.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate the ReQuest Serious Play F3 Media Server on a separate network segment to limit exposure to potential attackers.
- Firewall Restrictions: Implement firewall rules to restrict access to the media server from untrusted networks or IP addresses. Only allow necessary traffic.
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Deploy an IDS/IPS to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and potential exploitation attempts.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider using a WAF to filter malicious HTTP requests before they reach the media server.
- Monitor Server Logs: Regularly review server logs for unusual activity or error messages that could indicate exploitation attempts.
- Upgrade to Supported Version (If Available): If an upgrade path exists to a more recent, supported version of the ReQuest Serious Play F3 Media Server software, pursue this upgrade.
