CVE-2023-26109 in node-bluetooth-serial-port
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2023
All versions of the package node-bluetooth-serial-port are vulnerable to Buffer Overflow via the findSerialPortChannel method due to improper user input length validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26109 affects the node-bluetooth-serial-port package, a Node.js module designed for establishing serial port connections over Bluetooth protocols. This package serves as a bridge between Bluetooth serial devices and Node.js applications, enabling communication with various hardware peripherals through Bluetooth serial ports. The flaw manifests within the findSerialPortChannel method which processes user-provided input to locate available serial ports. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input parameters, specifically failing to properly check the length of user-supplied data before processing. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can supply excessively long input strings that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption. The buffer overflow occurs because the method does not implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization mechanisms before copying user data into fixed-size memory buffers. When the input exceeds the expected buffer limits, adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially corrupting program execution flow and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The operational impact extends beyond simple memory corruption, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate program execution through controlled buffer overflows. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service conditions within applications that utilize the vulnerable package. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Node.js applications interact with Bluetooth serial devices, as these systems often handle sensitive data and may operate in critical infrastructure scenarios. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006, which involves the use of script-based languages for execution and persistence. The attack surface includes any application that calls the findSerialPortChannel method with untrusted input, making the vulnerability exploitable across various deployment scenarios. The remediation approach requires updating to a patched version of the node-bluetooth-serial-port package where proper input validation and bounds checking have been implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing input sanitization measures and runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in serial communication libraries and highlights the need for robust memory management practices in Node.js applications that interface with hardware devices.