CVE-2026-26011
CVE-2026-26011
CVSS Vector
v4.0- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Attack Requirements
- None
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Confidentiality (Vulnerable)
- High
- Integrity (Vulnerable)
- High
- Availability (Vulnerable)
- High
- Confidentiality (Subsequent)
- None
- Integrity (Subsequent)
- None
- Availability (Subsequent)
- None
Description
navigation2 is a ROS 2 Navigation Framework and System. In 1.3.11 and earlier, a critical heap out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in Nav2 AMCL's particle filter clustering logic. By publishing a single crafted geometry_msgs/PoseWithCovarianceStamped message with extreme covariance values to the /initialpose topic, an unauthenticated attacker on the same ROS 2 DDS domain can trigger a negative index write (set->clusters[-1]) into heap memory preceding the allocated buffer. In Release builds, the sole boundary check (assert) is compiled out, leaving zero runtime protection. This primitive allows controlled corruption of the heap chunk metadata(at least the size of the heap chunk where the set->clusters is in is controllable by the attacker), potentially leading to further exploitation. At minimum, it provides a reliable single-packet denial of service that kills localization and halts all navigation.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2026-26011
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2026-26011
Description: The vulnerability affects the ROS 2 Navigation Framework and System, specifically in the Nav2 AMCL's particle filter clustering logic. An unauthenticated attacker on the same ROS 2 DDS domain can exploit a heap out-of-bounds write vulnerability by publishing a crafted geometry_msgs/PoseWithCovarianceStamped message with extreme covariance values to the /initialpose topic. This results in a negative index write into heap memory, potentially corrupting heap chunk metadata and leading to further exploitation or denial of service.
CVSS Score: 9.8
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical vulnerability. The high score is due to the potential for remote exploitation, the lack of authentication requirements, and the severe impact on system availability and integrity.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated Attacker: An attacker on the same ROS 2 DDS domain can exploit this vulnerability without needing authentication.
- Crafted Message: The attacker publishes a specially crafted
geometry_msgs/PoseWithCovarianceStampedmessage with extreme covariance values to the/initialposetopic.
Exploitation Methods:
- Heap Corruption: The crafted message triggers a negative index write into heap memory, corrupting heap chunk metadata.
- Denial of Service: The corruption can lead to a reliable single-packet denial of service, halting localization and navigation.
- Further Exploitation: The controlled corruption of heap chunk metadata can potentially lead to more severe exploits, such as arbitrary code execution.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- ROS 2 Navigation Framework and System (navigation2)
Affected Versions:
- 1.3.11 and earlier
Systems:
- Any system running the affected versions of the ROS 2 Navigation Framework and System within the same ROS 2 DDS domain.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to a patched version of the ROS 2 Navigation Framework and System.
- Network Segmentation: Segregate the ROS 2 DDS domain to limit the attack surface.
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring to detect and alert on unusual messages or behaviors on the
/initialposetopic.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Provide security training for developers to avoid common pitfalls like out-of-bounds writes.
- Regular Updates: Ensure regular updates and patches are applied to all ROS 2 components.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Immediate Impact:
- System Availability: The vulnerability can lead to denial of service, affecting the availability of navigation systems.
- Integrity: Corruption of heap memory can compromise the integrity of the system, potentially leading to further exploitation.
Long-Term Impact:
- Trust in ROS 2: This vulnerability may erode trust in the ROS 2 framework, prompting users to seek more secure alternatives.
- Increased Awareness: The incident highlights the need for robust security measures in robotic systems, particularly in critical infrastructure and autonomous vehicles.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Heap Out-of-Bounds Write: The vulnerability occurs due to a lack of boundary checks in the particle filter clustering logic, allowing a negative index write.
- Release Builds: In Release builds, the sole boundary check (assert) is compiled out, leaving zero runtime protection.
Exploitation Steps:
- Crafted Message: The attacker crafts a
geometry_msgs/PoseWithCovarianceStampedmessage with extreme covariance values. - Publish Message: The attacker publishes the crafted message to the
/initialposetopic. - Heap Corruption: The message triggers a negative index write, corrupting heap memory.
- Denial of Service: The corruption leads to a denial of service, halting localization and navigation.
Detection and Response:
- Anomaly Detection: Implement anomaly detection mechanisms to identify unusual messages or behaviors.
- Logging: Enable detailed logging to capture and analyze suspicious activities.
- Incident Response: Develop and test an incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risk and ensure the continued reliability and security of their ROS 2 systems.