CVE-2023-24823
CVE-2023-24823
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 a type confusion between IPv6 extension headers and a UDP header. This occurs while encoding a 6LoWPAN IPHC header. The type confusion manifests 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, apply the patches manually.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2023-24823
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2023-24823 CVSS Score: 9.8
The vulnerability in RIOT-OS, an operating system for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, involves a type confusion issue in the network stack when processing 6LoWPAN frames. This type confusion leads to an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer, which can corrupt other packets and the allocator metadata. The severity of this vulnerability is critical, as indicated by the CVSS score of 9.8. The potential for arbitrary code execution and denial of service (DoS) makes this a high-priority issue for any organization using RIOT-OS.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attack: An attacker can send a crafted 6LoWPAN frame to the vulnerable device over the network.
- Local Network Access: The attacker needs to be within the same network or have the ability to inject packets into the network where the vulnerable device resides.
Exploitation Methods:
- Type Confusion: The attacker exploits the type confusion between IPv6 extension headers and a UDP header during the encoding of a 6LoWPAN IPHC header.
- Out-of-Bounds Write: The type confusion results in an out-of-bounds write, which can corrupt the packet buffer and allocator metadata.
- Arbitrary Code Execution: By carefully manipulating the allocator metadata, an attacker can write data to arbitrary locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
- Denial of Service: Corrupting a pointer can easily lead to a denial of service, rendering the device inoperable.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Devices running RIOT-OS prior to version 2022.10.
Software Versions:
- RIOT-OS versions before 2022.10 are vulnerable.
- Version 2022.10 and later have the issue fixed.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to RIOT-OS version 2022.10 or later.
- Patch: Apply the patches manually if upgrading is not immediately feasible. Relevant patches can be found in the provided references.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Monitoring: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect any unusual network activity or attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
- Regular Updates: Ensure that all IoT devices are regularly updated and patched to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
The discovery and exploitation of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of securing IoT devices, which are increasingly integrated into various sectors, including healthcare, industrial control systems, and smart homes. The potential for remote code execution and denial of service underscores the need for robust security measures and regular updates in IoT ecosystems. This vulnerability serves as a reminder for organizations to prioritize the security of IoT devices and to implement comprehensive security strategies to protect against such threats.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- 6LoWPAN Frames: The vulnerability is triggered during the processing of 6LoWPAN frames, which are used for IPv6 over low-power wireless personal area networks.
- Type Confusion: The issue arises from a type confusion between IPv6 extension headers and a UDP header while encoding a 6LoWPAN IPHC header.
- Out-of-Bounds Write: The type confusion results in an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer, leading to corruption of other packets and allocator metadata.
- Exploitation: By manipulating the allocator metadata, an attacker can write data to arbitrary locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
Detection and Response:
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate an attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
- Log Analysis: Regularly analyze logs for any signs of packet buffer corruption or unusual network activity.
- Incident Response: Have an incident response plan in place to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-24823 and enhance the overall security of their IoT ecosystems.