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.
EPSS Score:
1%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-28813
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in EUVD-2023-28813 affects RIOT-OS, an operating system designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The issue resides in the network stack's handling of 6LoWPAN frames, leading to an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer. This can result in memory corruption, including the corruption of allocator metadata, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.8 (CVSS:3.1)
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability. The attack vector (AV:N) is network-based, requiring low complexity (AC:L) and no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), making it a severe threat.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attack: An attacker can send a specially crafted 6LoWPAN frame over the network to exploit the vulnerability.
- Remote Exploitation: The attack can be executed remotely without needing physical access to the device.
Exploitation Methods:
- Out-of-Bounds Write: By sending a malformed 6LoWPAN frame, the attacker can trigger an out-of-bounds write in the packet buffer.
- Memory Corruption: The out-of-bounds write can corrupt other packets and the allocator metadata.
- Arbitrary Code Execution: By carefully manipulating the allocator metadata, an attacker can write data to arbitrary locations, leading to the execution of arbitrary code.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- IoT devices running RIOT-OS.
Affected Software Versions:
- RIOT-OS versions prior to 2022.10.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable Fragmented IP Datagrams: As a temporary workaround, disable support for fragmented IP datagrams to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
- Manual Patching: Apply the patches manually from the provided references.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Update to Version 2022.10: Upgrade to RIOT-OS version 2022.10 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate similar issues.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly in the IoT sector. Given the widespread use of IoT devices in critical infrastructure, smart cities, and industrial control systems, the potential for large-scale disruption is high. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely can lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and potential physical damage.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- CVE ID: CVE-2023-24819
- GSD ID: GSD-2023-24819
- Assigner: GitHub_M
- EPSS Score: 1 (indicating a low likelihood of exploitation in the wild, but this should not be relied upon due to the critical nature of the vulnerability)
References:
ENISA IDs:
- Product ID: b2c8ec43-c4e1-306c-919d-081b6d580584 (RIOT < 2022.10)
- Vendor ID: 6fa53f26-30d9-3c1b-a8d9-433c91fabac9 (RIOT-OS)
Conclusion: This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust security measures in IoT systems. Organizations should prioritize updating affected devices and implementing strong security practices to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular monitoring and timely patching are essential to maintain the integrity and security of IoT ecosystems.