CVE-2019-19307 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability has been discovered in the parse_mqtt function within the mongoose.c file of Cesanta Mongoose 6.16, allowing for a remote Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack and potential out-of-bounds write.

Understanding CVE-2019-19307

This CVE identifies an integer overflow vulnerability in Cesanta Mongoose 6.16 that can be exploited through a crafted MQTT protocol packet.

What is CVE-2019-19307?

An integer overflow in the parse_mqtt function in mongoose.c in Cesanta Mongoose 6.16 enables an attacker to execute a remote DoS attack, potentially leading to an infinite loop or triggering an out-of-bounds write by sending a malicious MQTT protocol packet.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19307

Successful exploitation can result in a remote Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack, causing an infinite loop.
In some instances, attackers may be able to trigger an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19307

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the parse_mqtt function within the mongoose.c file of Cesanta Mongoose 6.16, allowing for an integer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Cesanta Mongoose 6.16
Vendor: Cesanta
Versions: All versions of Cesanta Mongoose 6.16 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker through a specifically crafted MQTT protocol packet.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19307 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Consider implementing network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious MQTT packets.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices and the risks associated with untrusted network inputs.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Cesanta Mongoose is updated to a patched version that addresses the integer overflow vulnerability in the parse_mqtt function.