Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2021-3675 affects Synaptics fingerprint driver software. A signed DLL can mishandle input, allowing a logged-in local attacker to corrupt heap metadata and potentially expose confidential data. This is not described as remotely exploitable, but it matters on laptops or workstations using affected fingerprint drivers.
Executive priority
Treat as a moderate endpoint remediation item. It is not a network worm risk, but it can expose sensitive data after local access, so include it in routine driver patch cycles for affected business laptops.
Technical view
The issue is improper input validation in synaTEE.signed.dll within Synaptics Fingerprint Driver. A local authorized attacker can overwrite a heap tag. The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, no integrity or availability impact.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Windows endpoints with Synaptics fingerprint drivers in the affected 5.x or 6.x version ranges, including OEM-managed systems referenced by Lenovo and HP. Asset impact depends on actual installed driver versions.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not cite active exploitation, and the CVE is not marked KEV. Exploitation requires local authorized access, which limits scale but remains relevant after phishing, shared workstation access, or compromised low-privilege accounts.
Researcher notes
Key gaps are exploit maturity and exact OEM model coverage. The source bundle establishes affected driver branches and impact but does not provide public exploit confirmation or detailed technical internals beyond heap tag overwrite in synaTEE.signed.dll.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory endpoints with Synaptics Fingerprint Driver installed.
- Compare installed versions against the affected version ranges.
- Apply Synaptics, Lenovo, or HP driver updates per vendor guidance.
- Prioritize laptops and workstations using fingerprint authentication.
- Limit unnecessary local user access while remediation is pending.
Validation and detection
- Query endpoint inventory for Synaptics Fingerprint Driver versions.
- Confirm vulnerable branches are updated beyond listed fixed thresholds.
- Review OEM advisory applicability for each device model.
- Check vulnerability scanners for CVE-2021-3675 coverage.
- Document exceptions where vendor updates are unavailable.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-3675 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 5.5 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N1.83.6Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
5.5MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://synaptics.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/fingerprint-driver-SGX-security-brief-2022-06-14.pdfCVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-68054CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_6411153-6411191-16/hpsbhf03797CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.