CVE-2017-2894 in Mongoose
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable stack buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the MQTT packet parsing functionality of Cesanta Mongoose 6.8. A specially crafted MQTT SUBSCRIBE packet can cause a stack buffer overflow resulting in remote code execution. An attacker needs to send a specially crafted MQTT packet over the network to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The CVE-2017-2894 vulnerability represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw within the Cesanta Mongoose 6.8 web server and IoT framework implementation. This vulnerability specifically targets the MQTT packet parsing functionality, which is commonly used in Internet of Things applications and embedded systems for lightweight messaging communications. The affected software serves as a foundational component for numerous IoT devices, industrial control systems, and embedded web servers, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
The technical flaw manifests when the Mongoose web server processes incoming MQTT SUBSCRIBE packets that contain maliciously crafted data. The buffer overflow occurs in the stack-based memory allocation during packet parsing operations, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a severe weakness in software security architecture. The flaw specifically exploits the lack of proper input validation during MQTT protocol handling, where the application fails to adequately verify the length and content of incoming subscription requests before processing them.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise potential. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the running process, typically resulting in full system control. This remote code execution capability allows adversaries to install malware, establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's network-based exploitation means attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local credentials, making it particularly dangerous for deployed IoT infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2894 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that contain patched buffer overflow protections and improved input validation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous MQTT traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's presence in embedded systems and IoT devices necessitates comprehensive inventory management and patching programs across all affected infrastructure. Security controls should also include network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed MQTT packets, while also implementing principle of least privilege configurations for MQTT services. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables adversaries to execute malicious code remotely through IoT protocol exploitation, with potential lateral movement opportunities through compromised devices.