Vulnerability Description
Sony SRS-XB33 and SRS-XB43 devices through 2021-08-09 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. The power indicator LED of the speakers is connected directly to the power line, as a result, the intensity of a device's power indicator LED is correlative to the power consumption. The sound played by the speakers affects their power consumption and as a result is also correlative to the light intensity of the LEDs. By analyzing measurements obtained from an electro-optical sensor directed at the power indicator LEDs of the speakers, we can recover the sound played by them.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Sony | Srs-Xb33 Firmware | <= 2021-08-09 |
| Sony | Srs-Xb33 | - |
| Sony | Srs-Xb43 Firmware | <= 2021-08-09 |
| Sony | Srs-Xb43 | - |
References
- https://www.nassiben.com/glowworm-attackExploitThird Party Advisory
- https://www.nassiben.com/glowworm-attackExploitThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-38544?
CVE-2021-38544 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.9 (MEDIUM). Sony SRS-XB33 and SRS-XB43 devices through 2021-08-09 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...
How severe is CVE-2021-38544?
CVE-2021-38544 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-2021-38544?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Sony Srs-Xb33 Firmware, Sony Srs-Xb33, Sony Srs-Xb43 Firmware, Sony Srs-Xb43.