CVE-2024-44853 in ROS2
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2024
Open Robotics Robotic Operating System 2 ROS2 navigation2 v.humble was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference via the component computeControl().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44853 affects the Open Robotics Robotic Operating System 2 navigation2 package in the humble distribution, specifically within the computeControl() component. This issue represents a critical null pointer dereference that can potentially compromise the stability and reliability of robotic systems relying on ROS2 navigation capabilities. The flaw occurs when the computeControl() function attempts to access memory through a null pointer reference, which can lead to application crashes or unexpected behavior in autonomous robotic platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the navigation2 package's control computation logic. When the computeControl() function processes certain navigation inputs or states, it fails to properly check whether required pointers are valid before dereferencing them. This type of flaw falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions that can cause program termination or unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in robotic systems where navigation stability directly impacts operational safety and mission success.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability can have significant implications for autonomous robotic deployments across various industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and autonomous vehicle systems. A null pointer dereference in navigation control logic could cause robotic systems to suddenly stop functioning, lose navigation capabilities, or exhibit erratic behavior that might lead to collisions or operational failures. The impact extends beyond simple system crashes as it affects the fundamental reliability of autonomous decision-making processes that robotic systems depend upon for safe operation.
The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any robotic system utilizing ROS2 navigation2 package in the humble distribution, particularly those deployed in production environments where continuous operation is critical. Systems that rely heavily on autonomous navigation, such as warehouse robots, delivery drones, or industrial automation platforms, would be most at risk. The vulnerability can be triggered through normal navigation operations when specific combinations of navigation parameters or environmental conditions cause the computeControl() function to access invalid memory locations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected ROS2 navigation2 components to address the null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate navigation functionality after applying patches, ensuring that the fix does not introduce new behavioral changes. Additionally, defensive programming practices including null pointer checks, input validation, and robust error handling should be enforced throughout the navigation stack. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which addresses the protection of systems against denial-of-service conditions through proper error handling mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts or residual instability following patch deployment.