FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP DNS CVE-2024-38373
FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP, a lightweight TCP/IP stack for FreeRTOS, has recently disclosed a critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-38373, affecting versions 4.0.0 through 4.1.0. The vulnerability, a buffer over-read issue in the DNS Response Parser, could allow attackers to read beyond the DNS response buffer by sending a crafted DNS response with a domain name length value greater than the actual domain name length.
Impact
This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects applications using the DNS functionality of the FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP stack. If exploited, attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or even execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
Affected Systems
It's important to note that applications that do not use DNS functionality are not affected by this vulnerability, even when the DNS functionality is enabled. However, it is crucial for developers and system administrators to assess their systems and ensure they are using the patched version (4.1.1) to mitigate the risk of potential attacks.
Example Scenario
Let's consider a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how this vulnerability could be exploited:
- An attacker crafts a malicious DNS response with a domain name length value that exceeds the actual domain name length.
- The attacker sends the crafted DNS response to a vulnerable FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP stack running on a device.
- The DNS Response Parser in the FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP stack, due to the buffer over-read vulnerability, reads beyond the DNS response buffer, potentially exposing sensitive information or allowing the execution of arbitrary code.
Mitigation
To address this vulnerability, FreeRTOS has released version 4.1.1, which patches the buffer over-read issue in the DNS Response Parser. It is crucial for users of FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP to update to the latest version (4.1.1) to ensure their systems are protected against potential attacks exploiting CVE-2024-38373.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-38373, a buffer over-read vulnerability in the FreeRTOS-Plus-TCP DNS Response Parser, poses a significant risk to applications using the DNS functionality of the stack. By updating to the patched version 4.1.1, users can mitigate the risk of potential attacks and protect their systems from unauthorized access or code execution. It is essential for developers and system administrators to stay vigilant and promptly address vulnerabilities to maintain the security and integrity of their systems.