CVE-2023-48229 in Contiki-NG
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
Contiki-NG is an open-source, cross-platform operating system for Next-Generation IoT devices. An out-of-bounds write exists in the driver for IEEE 802.15.4 radios on nRF platforms in the Contiki-NG operating system. The problem is triggered when parsing radio frames in the `read_frame` function in the `arch/cpu/nrf/net/nrf-ieee-driver-arch.c` module. More specifically, the `read_frame` function performs an incomplete validation of the payload length of the packet, which is a value that can be set by an external party that sends radio packets to a Contiki-NG system. Although the value is validated to be in the range of the MTU length, it is not validated to fit into the given buffer into which the packet will be copied. The problem has been patched in the "develop" branch of Contiki-NG and is expected to be included in subsequent releases. Users are advised to update their develop branch or to update to a subsequent release when available. Users unable to upgrade should consider manually applying the changes in PR #2741.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-48229 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Contiki-NG operating system, specifically affecting nRF platform implementations that utilize IEEE 802.15.4 radio drivers. This issue resides in the arch/cpu/nrf/net/nrf-ieee-driver-arch.c module where the read_frame function processes incoming radio packets. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify buffer boundaries during packet processing operations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the parsing of radio frames where external adversaries can manipulate packet payload lengths to trigger memory corruption. The root cause lies in the incomplete validation logic that only checks if the payload length falls within the MTU range but neglects to verify that this value fits within the allocated buffer space designated for packet copying operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within IoT environments where Contiki-NG systems operate, particularly in scenarios involving wireless sensor networks and smart device deployments. Attackers capable of transmitting malicious radio packets can exploit this flaw to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, system crashes, or unauthorized access to sensitive device functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for nRF52 and similar platforms that are widely deployed in industrial IoT applications, smart meters, and wireless security systems. The attack surface is broad as any device running Contiki-NG with IEEE 802.15.4 radio drivers on nRF platforms could be affected, making this a significant risk for large-scale IoT deployments. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow pattern where external input controls memory boundaries without proper bounds checking, creating potential for privilege escalation or denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48229 should prioritize immediate patching through the official Contiki-NG develop branch or subsequent releases that incorporate the fix. The recommended approach involves applying the changes from pull request #2741 manually for systems unable to upgrade immediately. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires external packet injection to trigger. The fix addresses the core validation issue by ensuring proper buffer boundary checking before copying packet data into allocated memory regions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, in scenarios where attackers might attempt to leverage memory corruption for privilege escalation. System administrators should perform comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all Contiki-NG deployments and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific memory corruption flaw.