CVE-2024-41650 in ROS2
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2024
Insecure Permissions vulnerability in Open Robotics Robotic Operating System 2 ROS2 navigation2 v.humble allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the nav2_costmap_2d.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-41650 represents a critical insecure permissions flaw within the Robot Operating System 2 navigation2 package version humble, specifically affecting the nav2_costmap_2d component. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and permission management within the ROS2 ecosystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized code. The navigation2 package serves as a fundamental component for autonomous robot navigation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could compromise the entire autonomous decision-making process of robotic systems. The flaw exists in how the system handles file permissions and execution contexts, allowing local users with limited privileges to manipulate script execution within the navigation stack. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001 for privilege escalation through legitimate credentials. The affected nav2_costmap_2d module is responsible for generating and managing costmaps used by navigation algorithms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to manipulate robot behavior or gain deeper system access. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and execution context verification, enabling attackers to inject malicious code through crafted scripts that bypass normal security checks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2024-41650 occurs when an attacker leverages existing user permissions to manipulate the navigation2 package's script execution environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the costmap generation process where scripts are executed with elevated privileges, creating a window for code injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious scripts that, when processed by nav2_costmap_2d, execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the navigation service. This occurs because the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that control script execution paths within the navigation stack. The flaw is particularly insidious because it operates within the legitimate execution flow of autonomous navigation, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation pattern where a user with minimal access can leverage system design weaknesses to gain higher-level privileges. The attack vector typically involves placing malicious scripts in directories accessible to the navigation service, then triggering their execution through normal navigation operations. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and CWE-732 which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources. The exploitation requires minimal privileges but can result in complete system compromise, as the navigation service often runs with elevated permissions necessary for robot control operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-41650 extends far beyond simple code execution, potentially compromising entire autonomous robotic systems in industrial, research, and commercial environments. Robots relying on the affected navigation2 package could be manipulated to navigate to dangerous locations, execute malicious commands, or provide unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects any system using ROS2 humble with navigation2 components, including autonomous mobile robots, industrial automation systems, and research platforms. In critical infrastructure scenarios, this could lead to physical safety hazards, data breaches, or operational disruptions that could cost organizations millions in damages and downtime. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of ROS2 in robotics applications, meaning that a single exploited system could provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement within connected robotic networks. Organizations deploying autonomous systems must consider the cascading effects of such vulnerabilities, as compromised navigation systems could affect multiple interconnected robots or control systems. The potential for remote exploitation exists if attackers can access systems with the necessary privileges to manipulate the navigation service's script execution paths. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of robotic systems that rely on trust in their navigation components, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate robot behavior to achieve unauthorized objectives. The financial and operational consequences could include production delays, safety incidents, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage for organizations using affected robotic systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-41650 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for robotic deployments. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest security patches provided by Open Robotics, which should address the permission handling issues within the nav2_costmap_2d component. Organizations should implement strict file permission controls, ensuring that navigation scripts execute with minimal necessary privileges and that write access to navigation-related directories is restricted. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential lateral movement if a system becomes compromised. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual script execution patterns within the navigation stack, particularly around costmap generation processes. Regular security audits of ROS2 deployments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar permission-related vulnerabilities. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services, implementing secure boot processes, and using principle of least privilege configurations should be enforced. The implementation of intrusion detection systems specifically designed for robotic environments can help identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which scripts can execute within the navigation service context. Regular vulnerability assessments targeting the ROS2 ecosystem should be conducted to identify other potential security weaknesses. Additionally, security training for robotic system operators and administrators should emphasize the importance of maintaining secure configurations and monitoring for anomalous behavior in autonomous systems. The mitigation approach should align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 for security controls and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management.