CVE-2026-67969 in cFS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
An issue in the HS_MonitorApplications() component of NASA cFS v7.0.1 allows attackers to force the processor to reset via supplying a crafted HS.AppMon_Tbl entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
The vulnerability resides within the HS_MonitorApplications() function of NASA's Command and Control Flight Software version 7.0.1, which governs health monitoring and application supervision for spacecraft systems. This component serves as a critical watchdog mechanism responsible for tracking application status and triggering system responses when anomalies are detected. The flaw manifests through improper validation of the HS.AppMon_Tbl configuration table entries, specifically allowing attackers to craft malicious table entries that deliberately trigger processor resets. This represents a significant security weakness in mission-critical spaceflight software where system stability and reliability are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the application monitoring subsystem. When the HS_MonitorApplications() function processes table entries from HS.AppMon_Tbl, it fails to properly validate the data structure and content of these entries before executing their associated monitoring commands. Attackers can construct specially formatted table entries that cause the monitoring logic to interpret legitimate configuration parameters as malicious commands, ultimately resulting in forced system resets. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-754 Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions, as the software does not adequately verify table entry integrity before processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple system disruption, particularly within the context of space missions where reliability is non-negotiable. A successful exploitation could lead to unintended spacecraft shutdowns during critical mission phases, potentially resulting in data loss, mission failure, or compromised astronaut safety. The reset mechanism itself presents a significant concern as it can occur without operator intervention and may mask underlying issues while simultaneously disrupting ongoing operations. This vulnerability creates a potential attack vector where adversaries could use system resets as a form of denial-of-service against critical spacecraft functionality, affecting everything from scientific data collection to navigation systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct approach involves implementing comprehensive input validation procedures within the HS.AppMon_Tbl processing logic, ensuring that all table entries undergo strict verification before execution. This includes validating data types, ranges, and structural integrity of configuration parameters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for table modification functions would prevent unauthorized entry crafting. The system should also incorporate robust logging and monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous table modifications and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should follow established security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and apply principles from the ATT&CK framework's T1499 system shutdown tactics, ensuring that defensive measures account for both intentional attacks and accidental misconfigurations. Regular security assessments and code reviews specifically targeting configuration table handling routines would help identify similar vulnerabilities in other monitoring components.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical need for rigorous security practices in aerospace software development, where traditional cybersecurity approaches must be augmented with mission-specific considerations. The interconnected nature of spacecraft systems means that a single compromised monitoring component can cascade into larger system failures, emphasizing the importance of defense-in-depth strategies. This vulnerability underscores why NASA and similar organizations must maintain strict adherence to secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly when dealing with systems where failure consequences are severe and recovery options may be limited.