CVE-2018-16664 in Contiki-NG
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Contiki-NG through 4.1. There is a buffer overflow in lvm_set_type in os/storage/antelope/lvm.c while parsing AQL (lvm_set_op, lvm_set_relation, lvm_set_operand).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16664 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Contiki-NG operating system version 4.1 and earlier. This flaw exists in the Antelope storage subsystem, specifically within the lvm_set_type function located in os/storage/antelope/lvm.c. The issue manifests during the parsing of AQL (Antelope Query Language) statements, particularly when processing lvm_set_op, lvm_set_relation, and lvm_set_operand operations. The buffer overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of structured query language elements within the embedded database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Antelope storage engine. When the lvm_set_type function processes incoming AQL commands, it fails to adequately validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems environments where Contiki-NG operates, as these systems often lack sophisticated memory protection mechanisms found in traditional operating systems. The flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which describes Stack-based Buffer Overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses Heap-based Buffer Overflow scenarios, depending on the specific memory allocation patterns used by the implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within the embedded networking ecosystem where Contiki-NG is deployed. Devices running affected versions of Contiki-NG could be susceptible to remote code execution attacks, particularly when processing networked AQL queries or database operations. This vulnerability affects IoT devices, sensor networks, and other embedded systems that utilize the Antelope storage engine for data management. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that these systems often operate in untrusted network environments where malicious actors could inject crafted AQL statements through legitimate network interfaces. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16664 must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Contiki-NG version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this buffer overflow vulnerability. The patch implementation involves implementing proper input validation, bounds checking, and memory allocation practices within the lvm_set_type function. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. The fix should incorporate defensive programming techniques such as using safe string handling functions, implementing proper buffer size validation, and employing stack canaries or similar memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their embedded systems to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities within similar subsystems, as the architectural patterns that led to this vulnerability may exist elsewhere in the codebase.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems development. The Contiki-NG project's experience demonstrates that even in resource-constrained environments, memory safety must remain a paramount concern. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that embedded systems security cannot be an afterthought but must be integrated throughout the development lifecycle. The issue also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded operating systems, particularly in IoT environments where the consequences of exploitation can be severe and widespread. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used embedded operating system framework emphasizes the critical role that open source security maintenance plays in protecting global IoT infrastructure and the importance of continuous security monitoring and patch management for embedded systems deployments.