CVE-2023-24819
CVE-2023-24819
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
RIOT-OS, an operating system that supports Internet of Things devices, contains a network stack with the ability to process 6LoWPAN frames. Prior to version 2022.10, an attacker can send a crafted frame to the device resulting in an out of bounds write in the packet buffer. The overflow can be used to corrupt other packets and the allocator metadata. Corrupting a pointer will easily lead to denial of service. While carefully manipulating the allocator metadata gives an attacker the possibility to write data to arbitrary locations and thus execute arbitrary code. Version 2022.10 fixes this issue. As a workaround, disable support for fragmented IP datagrams or apply the patches manually.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2023-24819
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2023-24819 CVSS Score: 9.8
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical vulnerability. This high score is due to the potential for remote code execution (RCE) and denial of service (DoS), which can have severe impacts on the affected systems. The vulnerability allows an attacker to send a crafted 6LoWPAN frame, leading to an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer. This can corrupt other packets and allocator metadata, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attack: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted 6LoWPAN frames over the network to the affected device.
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): By carefully manipulating the allocator metadata, an attacker can write data to arbitrary locations, leading to RCE.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Corrupting a pointer can easily lead to a DoS condition, rendering the device unresponsive or causing it to crash.
Exploitation Methods:
- Crafted Frames: The attacker can craft malicious 6LoWPAN frames designed to trigger the out-of-bounds write.
- Metadata Manipulation: By manipulating the allocator metadata, the attacker can control the flow of execution and inject malicious code.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Devices running RIOT-OS prior to version 2022.10.
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices that use RIOT-OS and support 6LoWPAN frames.
Software Versions:
- RIOT-OS versions before 2022.10 are vulnerable.
- Version 2022.10 and later have the issue fixed.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable Fragmented IP Datagrams: As a workaround, disable support for fragmented IP datagrams to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
- Apply Patches Manually: Apply the patches provided in the references to mitigate the risk.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Update to Version 2022.10 or Later: Upgrade RIOT-OS to version 2022.10 or a later version that includes the fix for this vulnerability.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and limit the attack surface.
- Monitoring and Logging: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious network activity.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Broader Implications:
- IoT Security: This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of securing IoT devices, which are increasingly integrated into various sectors such as healthcare, smart cities, and industrial control systems.
- Supply Chain Security: The vulnerability underscores the need for robust supply chain security practices, ensuring that all components and software used in IoT devices are secure.
- Patch Management: Effective patch management is crucial for maintaining the security of IoT devices, as vulnerabilities can have severe consequences if left unaddressed.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- 6LoWPAN Frames: The vulnerability is triggered by processing malformed 6LoWPAN frames, which are used in low-power wireless personal area networks (6LoWPAN).
- Out-of-Bounds Write: The flaw results in an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer, which can corrupt other packets and the allocator metadata.
- Allocator Metadata: Manipulating the allocator metadata allows an attacker to write data to arbitrary locations, potentially leading to RCE.
References:
- Patch Commits:
- Vendor Advisory:
Conclusion: CVE-2023-24819 is a critical vulnerability affecting RIOT-OS, an operating system used in IoT devices. The potential for RCE and DoS makes it a high-priority issue for organizations using affected devices. Immediate mitigation strategies include disabling fragmented IP datagrams and applying patches manually, while long-term mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of RIOT-OS and implementing robust security practices. This vulnerability underscores the importance of securing IoT devices and maintaining effective patch management.