CVE-2020-6007 in Hue Bridge
Summary
by MITRE
Philips Hue Bridge model 2.X prior to and including version 1935144020 contains a Heap-based Buffer Overflow when handling a long ZCL string during the commissioning phase, resulting in a remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2024
The Philips Hue Bridge model 2.X firmware versions up to and including 1935144020 contains a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that arises during the Zigbee Cluster Library (ZCL) string handling process within the commissioning phase. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The issue occurs when the bridge processes excessively long ZCL strings, which are used during device discovery and pairing operations. The buffer overflow manifests in the heap memory region, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of smart home ecosystems that rely on Philips Hue infrastructure, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the ZCL string processing routines of the Hue Bridge firmware. During the commissioning phase, when devices attempt to connect and authenticate with the bridge, the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming ZCL strings before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This heap-based buffer overflow creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite heap metadata and function pointers, enabling code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates during the commissioning phase, a normal operational state where device connections are established, making exploitation possible without requiring physical access or specialized attack conditions. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a prime example of how insufficient input validation in embedded systems can lead to remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to fully control the Hue Bridge device and potentially gain access to the entire connected smart home network. Once executed, the remote code execution allows threat actors to manipulate lighting controls, access network configuration settings, and potentially use the compromised bridge as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the same network segment. The vulnerability affects not just individual lighting fixtures but the entire smart home ecosystem, as the Hue Bridge serves as a central hub for device communication and network management. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised bridge can potentially expose multiple connected devices and compromise the privacy and security of users' smart home environments. The attack surface is particularly wide given that the vulnerability is exploitable remotely, requiring no physical presence or specialized equipment beyond standard network access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Philips, as the company has released patches addressing the heap-based buffer overflow issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate smart home devices from critical network infrastructure, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations and individuals should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to Hue Bridge communications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through network services. Regular security assessments of IoT devices and adherence to secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Given the nature of the flaw, system administrators should also monitor for unusual device behavior and ensure that all connected devices maintain current firmware versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.