CVE-2019-12259 in VxWorks
Summary
by MITRE
Wind River VxWorks 6.9 and vx7 has an array index error in the IGMPv3 client component. There is an IPNET security vulnerability: DoS via NULL dereference in IGMP parsing.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12259 affects Wind River VxWorks versions 6.9 and vx7, specifically within the IGMPv3 client component of the IPNET networking stack. This represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an array index error during IGMP packet processing, creating a potential denial of service condition through NULL pointer dereference. The vulnerability resides in the Internet Group Management Protocol version 3 client implementation, which is responsible for managing multicast group memberships in network environments. When malformed IGMPv3 packets are received by the affected VxWorks systems, the parsing logic fails to properly validate array indices, leading to unpredictable behavior that can result in system crashes or complete service disruption.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the IGMPv3 client parsing routine where the software does not properly check array bounds before accessing memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array index values, and represents a classic case of improper input validation that can lead to memory corruption. The NULL dereference occurs when the IGMP parsing code attempts to access a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to NULL, causing the system to crash when it tries to execute operations on this invalid memory reference. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems environments where VxWorks is commonly deployed, as these systems often operate in critical infrastructure scenarios where availability is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise entire network operations within devices running affected VxWorks versions. In industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive applications where VxWorks is deployed, a successful exploitation could result in complete service outages, data loss, or even safety risks depending on the criticality of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through network-based attacks without requiring authentication or special privileges, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to disrupt operations. The DoS condition affects not only individual devices but can also cascade through networked systems, potentially causing broader service degradation across connected infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of patches provided by Wind River to address the IGMPv3 parsing logic and implement proper array bounds checking. Network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious IGMP traffic, while also monitoring for unusual IGMP packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and should be considered as part of broader security monitoring protocols. Organizations should also implement network intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed IGMP packets and establish incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of embedded systems should include verification of VxWorks versions and patch status to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in operational environments.