Vulnerability Description
TP-Link UE330 USB splitter devices through 2021-08-09, in certain specific use cases in which the device supplies power to audio-output equipment, allow remote attackers to recover speech signals from an LED on the device, via a telescope and an electro-optical sensor, aka a "Glowworm" attack. We assume that the USB splitter supplies power to some speakers. The power indicator LED of the USB splitter is connected directly to the power line, as a result, the intensity of the USB splitter's power indicator LED is correlative to its power consumption. The sound played by the connected speakers affects the USB splitter's power consumption and as a result is also correlative to the light intensity of the LED. By analyzing measurements obtained from an electro-optical sensor directed at the power indicator LED of the USB splitter, we can recover the sound played by the connected speakers.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Tp-Link | Ue330 Firmware | <= 2021-08-09 |
| Tp-Link | Ue330 | - |
References
- https://www.nassiben.com/glowworm-attackExploitThird Party Advisory
- https://www.nassiben.com/glowworm-attackExploitThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-38543?
CVE-2021-38543 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.9 (MEDIUM). TP-Link UE330 USB splitter devices through 2021-08-09, in certain specific use cases in which the device supplies power to audio-output equipment, allow remote attackers to recover speech signals from...
How severe is CVE-2021-38543?
CVE-2021-38543 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.9/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2021-38543?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Tp-Link Ue330 Firmware, Tp-Link Ue330.