CVE-2018-3906 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the video-core's HTTP server of Samsung SmartThings Hub allows attackers to exploit a stack-based buffer overflow when handling database fields insecurely.

Understanding CVE-2018-3906

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the Samsung SmartThings Hub that can be triggered by sending a specific HTTP request.

What is CVE-2018-3906?

The vulnerability arises from the insecure retrieval of a database field called shard.videoHostURL by the video-core process, leading to a stack buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3906

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.5 (High) and can result in severe impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3906

The technical aspects of the CVE provide insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow by exploiting the insecure extraction of a database field in the video-core's HTTP server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250
Vendor: Samsung
Firmware Version: 0.20.17

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a crafted HTTP request to the video-core process, causing a stack buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-3906 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Samsung promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to the SmartThings Hub to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Samsung and apply patches as soon as they are released.