CVE-2018-16525 : What You Need to Know

Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS, FreeRTOS, and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component are affected by a Buffer Overflow vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized code or extract sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2018-16525

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the parsing of DNS\LLMNR packets in the prvParseDNSReply function.

What is CVE-2018-16525?

Remote attackers can exploit a Buffer Overflow vulnerability in AWS FreeRTOS up to version 1.3.1, FreeRTOS up to version V10.0.1 (with FreeRTOS+TCP), and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component, enabling them to execute unauthorized code or extract sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16525

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or leak information due to a Buffer Overflow during the parsing of DNS\LLMNR packets in prvParseDNSReply.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16525

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises during the parsing of DNS\LLMNR packets in the prvParseDNSReply function, leading to a Buffer Overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS up to version 1.3.1
FreeRTOS up to version V10.0.1 (with FreeRTOS+TCP)
WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by manipulating DNS\LLMNR packets to trigger the Buffer Overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16525 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches and updates provided by the respective vendors promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities related to DNS\LLMNR packets.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Regularly update and patch all software components to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

AWS FreeRTOS users should update to version 1.3.2 or later.
FreeRTOS users should upgrade to version V10.0.2 or newer.
WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component users should apply the latest patches and updates.