CVE-2019-13465 in ros-melodic-ros-comm
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the ROS communications-related packages (aka ros_comm or ros-melodic-ros-comm) through 1.14.3. ROS_ASSERT_MSG only works when ROS_ASSERT_ENABLED is defined. This leads to a problem in the remove() function in clients/roscpp/src/libros/spinner.cpp. When ROS_ASSERT_ENABLED is not defined, the iterator loop will run out of the scope of the array, and cause denial of service for other components (that depend on the communication-related functions of this package).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13465 resides within the Robot Operating System communications packages, specifically affecting ros_comm through version 1.14.3. This issue manifests in the roscpp library's spinner.cpp implementation where the remove() function exhibits undefined behavior when certain compilation flags are not set. The root cause stems from conditional compilation directives that control the execution path of assertion checks, creating a scenario where the software operates differently based on build configurations rather than maintaining consistent behavior across all deployment scenarios.
The technical flaw occurs in the remove() function located within clients/roscpp/src/libros/spinner.cpp where ROS_ASSERT_MSG assertions are only active when ROS_ASSERT_ENABLED is explicitly defined during compilation. When this flag is absent, the code path executes without proper bounds checking, leading to iterator manipulation that extends beyond the valid array boundaries. This memory safety issue creates a classic buffer overread condition that can result in unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the software assumes certain conditions will always be met, failing to account for runtime variations in compilation environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution failures to potentially cause denial of service conditions within ROS-based systems. When the iterator loop exceeds array scope due to missing assertion checks, it can corrupt memory structures that other communication components depend upon for proper operation. This creates cascading failures where communication functions become unreliable or completely non-functional, affecting the entire ROS ecosystem that relies on these foundational packages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in production environments where ROS systems control critical robotic operations, as it could lead to complete communication breakdowns that compromise system safety and functionality.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-754, improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.001, where adversaries might exploit denial of service vulnerabilities to disrupt system operations. The problem represents a failure in software robustness where the code path behavior varies based on compilation flags rather than maintaining consistent security posture across all deployment scenarios. Organizations using ROS systems should implement immediate mitigation strategies including ensuring proper compilation flags are set, applying available patches, and conducting thorough testing to verify communication stability across all system components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of defensive programming practices and comprehensive testing across different build configurations to prevent runtime behavior variations that could lead to security or reliability issues.