CVE-2018-16601 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-16601 affecting Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component. Find out how to mitigate the memory duplication vulnerability.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component are affected by a memory space duplication vulnerability, potentially leading to denial of service and remote code execution.
Understanding CVE-2018-16601
A vulnerability in FreeRTOS versions 1.3.1 and earlier, FreeRTOS up to V10.0.1 (with FreeRTOS+TCP), and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component allows for a complete duplication of memory space, resulting in severe consequences.
What is CVE-2018-16601?
This CVE involves a flaw in the processing of IP packets in FreeRTOS and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component, enabling an attacker to trigger memory space duplication, leading to denial of service and potential remote code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16601
The exploitation of a manipulated IP header can cause a complete duplication of memory space in the function prvProcessIPPacket, resulting in denial of service and potentially allowing remote code execution.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16601
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
A crafted IP header triggers a full memory space copy in prvProcessIPPacket, leading to denial of service and possibly remote code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS versions 1.3.1 and earlier
- FreeRTOS up to V10.0.1 (with FreeRTOS+TCP)
- WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component
Exploitation Mechanism
By exploiting a manipulated IP header, a complete duplication of memory space occurs in the function prvProcessIPPacket, resulting in denial of service and potentially allowing remote code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16601 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches and updates promptly
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity
- Implement strong network segmentation
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software components
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing
- Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices
Patching and Updates
- Refer to official vendor patches and updates for FreeRTOS and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component