CVE-2023-42189 in Matter Official SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Insecure Permissions vulnerability in Connectivity Standards Alliance Matter Official SDK v.1.1.0.0 , Nanoleaf Light strip v.3.5.10, Govee LED Strip v.3.00.42, switchBot Hub2 v.1.0-0.8, Phillips hue hub v.1.59.1959097030, and yeelight smart lamp v.1.12.69 allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service via a crafted script to the KeySetRemove function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42189 represents a critical insecure permissions flaw within multiple IoT devices and software development kits that implement the Matter protocol standard. This issue affects a broad range of smart home products including Nanoleaf Light strip, Govee LED Strip, switchBot Hub2, Phillips hue hub, and yeelight smart lamp, all of which utilize the Connectivity Standards Alliance Matter Official SDK version 1.1.0.0. The vulnerability specifically resides in the KeySetRemove function, which is designed to handle key management operations within the Matter framework. The insecure permissions allow remote attackers to exploit this weakness through the execution of crafted scripts, potentially compromising the operational integrity of connected IoT devices. The Matter protocol, which aims to standardize smart home device communication, has been found to contain this critical flaw that undermines its security assurances. This vulnerability operates under CWE-284 which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized remote access to critical device functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the KeySetRemove function, which serves as a critical component in managing cryptographic keys within the Matter ecosystem. When attackers can bypass proper authentication mechanisms, they gain the ability to perform unauthorized operations that can result in system instability and service disruption. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control checks within the SDK implementation, allowing malicious actors to submit crafted payloads that trigger unintended behavior in the target devices. This particular flaw demonstrates how improper privilege management can lead to denial of service conditions where legitimate users may be unable to access or operate their smart home devices. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over network protocols that smart home devices typically utilize, meaning that remote exploitation is possible without physical access to the devices. The vulnerability essentially creates a pathway for attackers to disrupt normal device operations through carefully constructed script execution against the exposed KeySetRemove function.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, potentially compromising the overall security posture of connected smart home ecosystems. When devices become vulnerable to remote exploitation through insecure permissions, it creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially gain access to other connected devices within the same network. The affected products span multiple smart home categories including lighting systems, hub devices, and lamp controls, meaning that a successful exploitation could impact various aspects of a user's smart home infrastructure. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions that users place in their IoT devices, particularly when these devices are designed to operate continuously and automatically within home environments. The potential for cascading failures exists when one compromised device can be used as a foothold to attack other connected systems, creating a broader security risk than initially apparent. The impact is particularly severe given that many of these devices operate in residential environments where physical security measures may be limited, making them attractive targets for remote attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42189 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and end users alike. Organizations should prioritize updating their affected devices to the latest firmware versions that address the insecure permissions issue within the Matter SDK. The implementation of proper input validation and access control checks should be enforced within all KeySetRemove function implementations to prevent unauthorized script execution. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to affected devices, particularly when they operate on standard IoT protocols. Security monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of access to key management functions that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional authentication layers and encryption mechanisms to protect critical functions within their Matter implementations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques that attackers might employ. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of IoT device implementations are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. End users should be advised to disable unnecessary network access to their smart home devices and to regularly update firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities. The incident also underscores the need for more rigorous security testing during the development lifecycle of IoT products, particularly those implementing standardized protocols like Matter that are designed for widespread adoption.