CVE-2023-24825 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2023-24825 pertaining to a null pointer dereference issue in RIOT-OS prior to version 2023.04, posing a high severity risk. Take immediate action to update and safeguard affected devices.
This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in RIOT-OS, specifically in the gnrc_pktbuf_mark function, which could result in a NULL pointer dereference. The vulnerability has been assigned a high base severity score of 7.5.
Understanding CVE-2023-24825
This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-24825, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impacts.
What is CVE-2023-24825?
CVE-2023-24825 is a vulnerability in RIOT-OS, an operating system designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The issue arises in the network stack's processing of 6LoWPAN frames. Prior to version 2023.04, an attacker could exploit this flaw by sending a specifically crafted frame to the device, triggering a NULL pointer dereference that could lead to a denial of service attack.
The Impact of CVE-2023-24825
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it could allow an attacker to disrupt the normal functioning of devices running the affected versions of RIOT-OS. Denial of service attacks could potentially result in system downtime and unavailability, affecting operations and services relying on the affected devices.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-24825
In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-24825, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in gnrc_pktbuf_mark function in RIOT-OS could be exploited to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, allowing an attacker to cause denial of service on the targeted device.
Affected Systems and Versions
RIOT-OS versions prior to 2023.04 are affected by this vulnerability. Devices running these versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending a specially crafted frame to a device running a vulnerable version of RIOT-OS, an attacker can exploit the NULL pointer dereference issue and potentially execute a denial of service attack.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-24825, it is crucial to implement appropriate security measures and actions to safeguard systems and devices from potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users and administrators are advised to update RIOT-OS to version 2023.04 or later to address the vulnerability and prevent potential attacks. Regularly applying security patches and updates is essential to ensure system integrity and protection against known vulnerabilities.
Long-Term Security Practices
Incorporating secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities and patches are essential long-term strategies to enhance the overall security posture of IoT devices and systems.
Patching and Updates
Maintaining a proactive approach towards patch management and promptly applying security updates provided by the software vendor is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-24825 in RIOT-OS. Regularly monitoring security advisories and staying informed about potential threats can help in ensuring the resilience of IoT devices against cybersecurity risks.