CVE-2020-28592 in Smart Air Fryer CS158-AF
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2021
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the configuration server functionality of the Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer CS158-AF 1.1.0. A specially crafted JSON object can lead to remote code execution. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28592 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the configuration server functionality of the Cosori Smart 5.8-Quart Air Fryer model CS158-AF running firmware version 1.1.0. This flaw resides in the device's network communication handling mechanisms, specifically within the JSON parsing component that processes configuration data sent to the air fryer's embedded system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a heap-allocated buffer than it can hold, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The affected device operates as an internet-connected smart appliance, making it susceptible to remote exploitation through network-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious JSON object that exceeds the allocated buffer size during parsing operations within the device's configuration server. This buffer overflow creates a condition where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that an attacker does not require physical access to the device, as demonstrated by the ability to send malicious packets over the network. The flaw likely stems from insufficient bounds checking during JSON object processing, where the device fails to validate the size of incoming data before attempting to store it in allocated memory buffers. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it transforms a consumer-grade smart appliance into a potential entry point for broader network compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the air fryer's operational functions, potentially manipulating cooking parameters, accessing device configuration data, or using the device as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices. The smart appliance's network connectivity creates a persistent attack surface that could be leveraged for botnet recruitment, data exfiltration, or as a staging area for more sophisticated attacks against connected home networks. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate device but also poses risks to the broader IoT ecosystem, as compromised smart appliances can serve as persistent footholds for attackers seeking to establish long-term access to home networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer, as this represents a critical security flaw requiring prompt resolution. Users should disable network connectivity for the affected device until a security patch is available, and network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict communication with the device. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in IoT devices, particularly around input validation and memory management. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate smart appliances from critical systems and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of IoT devices before deployment, including fuzzing and penetration testing of network interfaces to identify similar buffer overflow conditions. The incident demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining security patches for connected devices and the potential risks associated with insecure remote management interfaces in consumer IoT products.