CVE-2026-32713 in PX4-Autopilot
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
PX4 autopilot is a flight control solution for drones. Prior to 1.17.0-rc2, A logic error in the PX4 Autopilot MAVLink FTP session validation uses incorrect boolean logic (&& instead of ||), allowing BurstReadFile and WriteFile operations to proceed with invalid sessions or closed file descriptors. This enables an unauthenticated attacker to put the FTP subsystem into an inconsistent state, trigger operations on invalid file descriptors, and bypass session isolation checks. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.17.0-rc2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The PX4 autopilot system represents a critical component in unmanned aerial vehicle control, serving as the primary flight control solution for drone platforms across various commercial and military applications. This autonomous flight control software operates within the cybersecurity landscape as a sophisticated embedded system that manages complex flight operations while maintaining secure communication protocols. The vulnerability identified in versions prior to 1.17.0-rc2 specifically targets the MAVLink File Transfer Protocol implementation, which serves as a fundamental communication mechanism for accessing and modifying flight control system files. The MAVLink protocol suite provides standardized communication interfaces between ground control stations and flight controllers, making the FTP subsystem a critical attack surface for potential adversaries seeking to compromise drone operations. The affected system operates within the context of autonomous flight control where security breaches could directly impact flight safety, mission integrity, and operational security of unmanned aerial systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a fundamental logical error within the session validation mechanism of the MAVLink FTP implementation, specifically employing incorrect boolean logic operators in the validation conditions. This logical error occurs when evaluating session validity for file operations, where the code uses the logical AND operator (&&) instead of the logical OR operator (||) in critical validation checks. This seemingly minor code defect creates a dangerous condition where the system incorrectly permits file operations to proceed when either session validation fails or file descriptors are closed. The improper boolean logic creates a scenario where an attacker can bypass authentication requirements and execute operations against invalid file handles, fundamentally undermining the security model of the FTP subsystem. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-703, which addresses improper check or handling of exceptional conditions in software systems, and represents a classic example of how simple logical errors can create significant security weaknesses in embedded control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating a complex attack scenario that can compromise the integrity of the entire flight control system. An unauthenticated attacker can manipulate the FTP subsystem into an inconsistent operational state, where file operations proceed against invalid or closed file descriptors, potentially causing system instability or unpredictable behavior. The bypass of session isolation checks represents a serious degradation of the system's security posture, as it allows operations to proceed without proper authentication or session validation. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform BurstReadFile and WriteFile operations that could potentially modify critical flight control parameters, access sensitive operational data, or even inject malicious code into the flight control system. The implications are particularly concerning given that these operations could affect flight safety, mission planning, and the overall operational integrity of unmanned aerial vehicles in both commercial and defense applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the patched version 1.17.0-rc2, which corrects the boolean logic error in the session validation mechanism. System administrators and operators should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their PX4 autopilot installations to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching. The remediation process should include verification of the patched software versions across all deployed systems, particularly in mission-critical applications where flight safety is paramount. Organizations should implement enhanced monitoring of FTP subsystem activities to detect anomalous file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous code review processes and automated security testing in embedded systems development, particularly for critical infrastructure components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls in autonomous vehicle systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MAVLink communication interfaces to unauthorized parties, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.