Dell detected device vulnerabilities: how to protect yourself

Serious security vulnerabilities have been detected on many Dell PCs, laptops, and tablets. Affected criminals will no longer have to react on their own to be targeted by cybercriminals.

Attention Dell users: The American manufacturer’s countless desktops, laptops, and tablets have a driver for firmware updates that has five serious vulnerabilities (CVE-2021-21551).

IT security company Sentinel One, which discovered the problem, warned that attackers could extend their rights as local users, for example, taking control of computers. However, there is no evidence that cyber criminals are taking advantage of vulnerabilities on the affected devices. Still, one should not wait until there is doubt.

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Dell vulnerability: long list of devices affected

Since hundreds of models from 2009 to date have been affected, users can first search through two lists compiled by Dell for their device, which can be found at the bottom of the manufacturer’s problem description and solution. This is faster if you press “Ctrl + F” to search the page specifically for the model name and number.

If you can find your own model there, the easiest immediate solution is Manufacturer provided equipment Download and run it, which will remove the unsafe driver named dbutil_2_3.sys.

Download: Dell Security Advisor

Dell update assistant can help

Dell: Affected users must take action on their own to be on the safe side.

Photo: Monica Skolimowska / ZB / DPA

Otherwise, the affected people may be evicted by Dell’s support-support software. According to the manufacturer, this update wizard will not be ready for this action until May 10.

The installation and use of the update wizard is also recommended for all those who have already removed an unsafe driver with the tools described above. The program also provides a new, secure driver for firmware updates without the risk of accidentally reinstalling an unsafe driver.