CVE-2022-40279 in TizenRT
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2022
An issue was discovered in Samsung TizenRT through 3.0_GBM (and 3.1_PRE). l2_packet_receive_timeout in wpa_supplicant/src/l2_packet/l2_packet_pcap.c has a missing check on the return value of pcap_dispatch, leading to a denial of service (malfunction).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40279 affects Samsung TizenRT operating system versions through 3.0_GBM and 3.1_PRE, specifically within the wpa_supplicant component. This issue resides in the l2_packet_receive_timeout function located in wpa_supplicant/src/l2_packet/l2_packet_pcap.c file, representing a critical flaw in the wireless network authentication framework that could compromise system stability and availability. The vulnerability manifests as a missing validation check on the return value of the pcap_dispatch function call, which is fundamental to packet capture operations in wireless network environments.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate error handling within the wireless packet processing pipeline where the pcap_dispatch function, responsible for capturing network packets from the data link layer, may return various status codes indicating success, failure, or timeout conditions. When the return value from pcap_dispatch is not properly validated, the system continues execution without recognizing that the packet capture operation has failed or encountered an unexpected condition. This oversight creates a scenario where the wireless authentication process becomes unstable, as the system cannot properly handle packet capture failures that should trigger appropriate error recovery mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential network authentication failures that could leave devices vulnerable to unauthorized access attempts. In wireless network environments, particularly those utilizing WPA/WPA2 authentication protocols, the l2_packet_receive_timeout function plays a crucial role in maintaining secure communication channels between wireless clients and access points. When this function fails to properly validate pcap_dispatch return values, it can cause the wireless authentication process to malfunction, potentially leading to authentication timeouts, connection drops, or complete denial of wireless service availability. The vulnerability essentially creates a condition where the system becomes unresponsive to wireless packet traffic, resulting in the denial of service characteristic that defines this flaw.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-252, which addresses "Unchecked Return Value" conditions where functions that may fail are called without checking their return status. The flaw also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, "Network Denial of Service," as it enables an attacker to disrupt network availability through wireless authentication mechanisms. The issue demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where error conditions are not properly handled, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited to cause sustained network disruption. Organizations deploying Samsung TizenRT systems in mission-critical environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could be leveraged to create persistent network outages that affect device connectivity and overall system reliability.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate application of firmware updates provided by Samsung that address the missing return value validation in the pcap_dispatch function calls. System administrators should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in wireless authentication failures that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing redundant wireless authentication mechanisms and ensuring proper error handling procedures are in place for all packet capture operations. The fix should involve comprehensive validation of all pcap_dispatch return values with appropriate error handling that either recovers gracefully from capture failures or terminates the authentication process in a controlled manner, preventing the system from entering an unstable state that could lead to complete denial of wireless service availability.