CVE-2018-20785 : What You Need to Know

Neato Botvac Connected 2.2.0 devices are vulnerable to a secure boot bypass and memory extraction attack, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2018-20785

What is CVE-2018-20785?

The vulnerability in Neato Botvac Connected 2.2.0 devices enables attackers to bypass secure boot mechanisms and extract memory contents, compromising the device's security.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20785

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the extraction of sensitive data, including original firmware and Wi-Fi credentials, posing a significant risk to user privacy and device integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20785

Vulnerability Description

Neato Botvac Connected 2.2.0 devices can be manipulated to bypass secure boot and extract memory contents through specific commands via the USB serial port.
The attacker can upload and execute an unsigned QNX IFS system image using XMODEM, circumventing secure boot protection.
Customized IFS data can be created and written to unused memory, allowing retrieval of previously stored memory content.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Neato Botvac Connected 2.2.0
Vendor: Neato
Version: 2.2.0

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specific commands through the USB serial port, the attacker can bypass secure boot protection and access memory contents.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable USB serial port access on Neato Botvac Connected 2.2.0 devices to prevent unauthorized manipulation.
Regularly monitor for any unauthorized firmware uploads or system changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure boot mechanisms that authenticate firmware before execution.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Neato should release a firmware update that addresses the secure boot bypass vulnerability and enhances device security.