CVE-2025-56361
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
A reachable assertion vulnerability exists in the Matter SDK (connectedhomeip) 1.3 thru 1.4, specifically within the Level Control cluster's server tick logic (`emberAfLevelControlClusterServerTickCallback`). When a MoveToLevel command is executed and followed by a conflicting write to the OperationMode attribute (in the Pump Configuration and Control cluster), an invariant check (`minLevel < currentLevel`) fails and causes the device to abort. This leads to a denial of service condition. The issue is confirmed in SDK versions 1.3 and 1.4 (commit ab3d5ae), and is triggered remotely without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
The vulnerability under examination represents a critical reachability assertion failure within the Matter SDK version 1.3 through 1.4, specifically affecting the Level Control cluster's server tick logic implementation. This flaw manifests in the `emberAfLevelControlClusterServerTickCallback` function where an invariant check condition `minLevel < currentLevel` becomes invalid when specific command sequences occur. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of device state management and cluster communication protocols, creating a path for unauthorized disruption of connected home devices that implement the Matter standard.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate state validation within the Matter SDK's cluster processing logic. When a MoveToLevel command executes followed by an attribute write operation to the OperationMode attribute in the Pump Configuration and Control cluster, the system fails to properly handle the conflicting state transitions. This particular sequence creates a condition where the minimum level constraint becomes invalid relative to the current level value, triggering an assertion failure that results in complete device termination. The flaw demonstrates poor error handling and state synchronization between different cluster components within the same SDK implementation.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to create potential security implications for connected home ecosystems. Since the vulnerability can be triggered remotely without authentication requirements, it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise smart home devices that utilize Matter protocol implementations. The denial of service condition affects device availability and potentially disrupts critical home automation functions, especially in environments where multiple devices depend on consistent cluster communication patterns. This vulnerability directly impacts the reliability and security posture of Matter-compliant IoT ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate operational concerns and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in future implementations. Organizations should implement firmware updates that correct the assertion handling logic within the Level Control cluster processing, ensuring proper state validation before executing invariant checks. Additionally, developers should employ comprehensive input validation and error recovery mechanisms that prevent single-point failures from causing complete system termination. The fix should align with industry best practices for embedded systems security and maintain compliance with CWE-617, which addresses reachable assertion vulnerabilities in software implementations.
The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, specifically targeting the availability of services through denial of service conditions. It also reflects weaknesses in software design patterns that could be addressed through proper defensive programming techniques and comprehensive testing of state transition scenarios. Organizations implementing Matter SDK versions 1.3 or 1.4 should prioritize immediate patch deployment while also conducting thorough security assessments of their connected device ecosystems to identify potential similar vulnerabilities in other cluster implementations. The issue underscores the importance of maintaining strict invariant checking mechanisms within protocol implementations and highlights the need for more robust error handling in distributed IoT communication systems.