CVE-2020-13984 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Contiki through 3.0 is affected by an infinite loop vulnerability in the uIP TCP/IP stack component when processing IPv6 extension headers.

Understanding CVE-2020-13984

An issue was discovered in Contiki through version 3.0, leading to an infinite loop in the uIP TCP/IP stack component during the processing of IPv6 extension headers.

What is CVE-2020-13984?

The vulnerability in Contiki allows attackers to trigger an infinite loop by manipulating IPv6 extension headers, specifically in the ext_hdr_options_process function in net/ipv6/uip6.c.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13984

This vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on affected systems running Contiki.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13984

Contiki through version 3.0 is susceptible to an infinite loop vulnerability in the uIP TCP/IP stack component.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when processing IPv6 extension headers, specifically in the ext_hdr_options_process function in net/ipv6/uip6.c, leading to an infinite loop.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by sending specially crafted IPv6 extension headers to trigger the infinite loop in the uIP TCP/IP stack component.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13984, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches or updates if available.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security advisories and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Check for patches or updates from Contiki to address the vulnerability.