CVE-2024-8798 in Zephyr
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2024
No proper validation of the length of user input in olcp_ind_handler in zephyr/subsys/bluetooth/services/ots/ots_client.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8798 resides within the Bluetooth OTS (Object Transfer Service) client implementation in the Zephyr RTOS ecosystem. This issue manifests in the olcp_ind_handler function located in zephyr/subsys/bluetooth/services/ots/ots_client.c, where insufficient validation of user input length creates a potential security risk. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that could be exploited through malformed input data transmitted via Bluetooth connections.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of proper bounds checking when processing incoming data from Bluetooth OTS client indications. When the olcp_ind_handler function receives data, it fails to validate the length of the input parameters before processing them, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious payloads that exceed expected buffer sizes. This lack of input validation directly violates security principles and creates conditions where memory corruption can occur, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and specifically relates to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Bluetooth-enabled devices running Zephyr RTOS, particularly those implementing the Object Transfer Service client functionality. Attackers could exploit this weakness by establishing Bluetooth connections to target devices and sending specially crafted data packets that trigger the buffer overflow condition. The attack surface is particularly concerning for IoT devices, wearables, and embedded systems where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent and security updates may be infrequent. The vulnerability could lead to device crashes, unauthorized access to sensitive data, or potentially full system compromise depending on the device architecture and privilege levels of the affected components.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate code patches that implement proper input length validation within the olcp_ind_handler function. Developers must ensure that all incoming data from Bluetooth indications undergoes rigorous size verification before any processing occurs, with appropriate bounds checking mechanisms in place. The fix should include establishing maximum length limits for all user-provided data and implementing defensive programming practices that prevent buffer overflows. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to input validation and memory corruption prevention. Regular security assessments of Bluetooth implementations and comprehensive testing of input handling routines should become standard practice for all Zephyr-based deployments.