CVE-2020-10059 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

UpdateHub module in Zephyr version 2.1.0 and later versions disables DTLS peer checking, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks. This CVE has a CVSS base score of 4.8 (Medium).

Understanding CVE-2020-10059

This CVE affects the Zephyr project's UpdateHub module, impacting the security of devices using Zephyr version 2.1.0 and above.

What is CVE-2020-10059?

The UpdateHub module in Zephyr versions 2.1.0 and later explicitly disables DTLS peer checking, creating a vulnerability that could be exploited in man-in-the-middle attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10059

CVSS Base Score: 4.8 (Medium)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: None
Availability Impact: Low

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10059

The technical details of the vulnerability in the UpdateHub module.

Vulnerability Description

The UpdateHub module in Zephyr versions 2.1.0 and later disables DTLS peer checking, leaving devices vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Zephyr
Vendor: Zephyrproject-rtos
Affected Version: 2.1.0 (custom version)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to intercept and modify data exchanged between devices using Zephyr version 2.1.0 and later.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from the CVE-2020-10059 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure firmware images require valid signatures for deployment.
Implement additional security measures to compensate for the disabled DTLS peer checking.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Zephyr versions to patches that address this vulnerability.
Conduct security audits and testing to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Zephyrproject-rtos to address the vulnerability in affected versions.