CVE-2019-12951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical heap-based buffer overflow was identified in the parse_mqtt() function of mg_mqtt.c in Mongoose version 6.15 and earlier.

Understanding CVE-2019-12951

An issue was discovered in Mongoose before version 6.15, where the parse_mqtt() function in mg_mqtt.c has a critical heap-based buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2019-12951?

This CVE refers to a critical vulnerability in the parse_mqtt() function of Mongoose, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12951

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12951

The technical details of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

A critical heap-based buffer overflow was identified in the parse_mqtt() function of mg_mqtt.c in Mongoose version 6.15 and earlier.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mongoose
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: 6.15 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted MQTT messages to the affected system, triggering the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12951, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mongoose to version 6.15 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflows.
Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.