CVE-2020-22283 in IwIP
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2021
A buffer overflow vulnerability in the icmp6_send_response_with_addrs_and_netif() function of Free Software Foundation lwIP version git head allows attackers to access sensitive information via a crafted ICMPv6 packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2026
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-22283 resides within the Free Software Foundation lwIP networking stack at the icmp6_send_response_with_addrs_and_netif() function. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited through the manipulation of ICMPv6 packets, specifically targeting the IPv6 network protocol implementation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the function responsible for handling ICMPv6 responses, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted packets can trigger memory corruption. The affected lwIP version indicates this issue exists in the development head, suggesting it may have been present in recent releases and potentially affecting numerous network applications that rely on this lightweight TCP/IP implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially designed ICMPv6 packet that, upon processing by the vulnerable function, causes a buffer overflow condition. This overflow allows for potential information disclosure and memory access violations that could be leveraged to extract sensitive data from the system's memory space. The function's handling of address information and network interface parameters creates a predictable pattern where insufficient buffer size validation leads to memory corruption. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1059.007 for the execution of malicious code through network protocols. The specific nature of the flaw suggests it could be exploited for information gathering, potentially exposing system memory contents including credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive operational data.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-22283 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the buffer overflow condition can potentially lead to system instability or complete service disruption. Network infrastructure components that utilize lwIP for IPv6 connectivity become vulnerable to remote exploitation, making them targets for attackers seeking to compromise network availability or extract confidential information. The vulnerability affects systems where lwIP is integrated into embedded devices, routers, firewalls, or other network appliances that process ICMPv6 traffic. Organizations relying on IPv6-enabled networks face particular risk, as the exploitation can occur without requiring local access or authentication. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges, and the memory corruption could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the target system's context. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for network infrastructure that serves as a critical component of enterprise security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-22283 require immediate attention through patch management and network security controls. Organizations should prioritize updating their lwIP implementations to versions that contain the fix for this buffer overflow condition, which typically involves implementing proper input validation and buffer size checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures can help reduce the attack surface by limiting exposure to potentially malicious ICMPv6 traffic. Implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous ICMPv6 packet patterns may provide early warning of exploitation attempts. The fix should include proper bounds checking for address and interface parameter handling, ensuring that input data cannot exceed allocated buffer boundaries. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious ICMPv6 packet structures. Additionally, network administrators should review and restrict ICMPv6 traffic where possible, particularly in environments where such traffic is not essential for normal operations, as this reduces the potential attack vectors available to adversaries. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all systems utilizing lwIP remain protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.