PatchTheCVECVE-2021-38546: CREATIVE Pebble devices through 2021-08-09 allow remote attackers to recover speech signals from an LED on the
CVE-2021-38546 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.9) affecting pebble v3 firmware, pebble v2 firmware, pebble firmware. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
CREATIVE Pebble 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 re
Why this priority
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.9 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.3% (top 30%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2021-08-11 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2021-38546?
pebble v3 firmware: upgrade to newer than 2021-08-09; pebble v2 firmware: upgrade to newer than 2021-08-09; pebble firmware: upgrade to newer than 2021-08-09. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-38546 being exploited?
CVE-2021-38546 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2021-38546 affect?
CVE-2021-38546 affects pebble v3 firmware, pebble v2 firmware, pebble firmware. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.9). CREATIVE Pebble 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 connec
How urgent is CVE-2021-38546?
Priority 48/100. Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action