CVE-2015-8299 in ETS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Group messages monitor (Falcon) in KNX ETS 4.1.5 (Build 3246) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted KNXnet/IP UDP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8299 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Group messages monitor component of KNX ETS 4.1.5 software version. This issue specifically affects the Falcon monitoring functionality that processes KNXnet/IP UDP packets for communication within KNX building automation networks. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the software's packet processing routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication or physical access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during the handling of KNXnet/IP UDP packets within the Group messages monitor module. When the Falcon component receives a malformed packet containing excessive data in specific fields, it fails to properly validate the packet size before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the software does not enforce strict limits on incoming packet data, allowing an attacker to overflow the allocated memory space and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it operates at the network level where the software receives unsolicited packets from any device within the KNX network, making exploitation feasible from remote locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain full control over the affected KNX ETS software instance and potentially the underlying system. Remote code execution capabilities allow threat actors to install malicious software, modify network configurations, or disrupt building automation services that rely on KNX protocols for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and security systems. Given that KNX networks are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure environments including hospitals, government facilities, and industrial complexes, the potential for operational disruption or security breaches is substantial. The vulnerability also poses risks to network integrity and can be used as a foothold for further lateral movement within connected building automation systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2015-8299 should prioritize immediate software updates from KNX vendor sources to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory management. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate KNX networks from general enterprise networks, while firewall rules should restrict UDP traffic on KNXnet/IP ports to authorized sources only. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through network-based attacks against specific software components. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically tuned to identify KNXnet/IP protocol anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts against this and similar vulnerabilities.