CVE-2024-10455 in µD3TN
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
Reachable Assertion in BPv7 parser in µD3TN v0.14.0 allows attacker to disrupt service via malformed Extension Block
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10455 affects the µD3TN v0.14.0 implementation of the Bundle Protocol version 7, specifically within its parser component. This issue manifests as a reachable assertion failure that occurs when processing malformed Extension Blocks, representing a critical weakness in the protocol's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the bundle processing logic where the system fails to properly handle malformed data structures, leading to potential service disruption.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the BPv7 parser implementation. When the system encounters a malformed Extension Block structure, it triggers an assertion that causes the process to terminate unexpectedly. This assertion failure represents a classic example of inadequate error handling and input sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the protocol parsing layer where extension blocks are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by manipulating the bundle payload format. The assertion failure effectively constitutes a denial of service condition that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromising the entire communication infrastructure relying on µD3TN. An attacker capable of sending malformed bundles could repeatedly trigger the assertion failure, causing continuous service interruptions and resource exhaustion. The vulnerability affects systems implementing the Bundle Protocol version 7, which is commonly used in space communications, military networks, and other critical infrastructure where reliable communication is paramount. The disruption can cascade through dependent systems, creating broader operational failures that extend beyond the immediate target.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and error handling mechanisms within the BPv7 parser. The recommended approach involves adding comprehensive checks for Extension Block structures before assertion evaluation, implementing graceful degradation instead of process termination, and incorporating proper logging mechanisms to detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider upgrading to patched versions of µD3TN if available, while implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. Additionally, monitoring for unusual bundle processing patterns and implementing rate limiting on incoming bundles can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-617, reachable assertion, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, Network Denial of Service, demonstrating the critical nature of proper input validation in protocol implementations.