CVE-2018-16523 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-16523, a vulnerability in Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS and FreeRTOS allowing division by zero. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS and FreeRTOS, up to specific versions, along with WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component, are vulnerable to a division by zero issue.
Understanding CVE-2018-16523
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the prvCheckOptions function in AWS FreeRTOS, FreeRTOS, and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component.
What is CVE-2018-16523?
The prvCheckOptions function in AWS FreeRTOS up to version 1.3.1, FreeRTOS up to version 10.0.1 (utilizing FreeRTOS+TCP), and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component have a vulnerability that allows division by zero.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16523
This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16523
This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in prvCheckOptions function allows for division by zero in AWS FreeRTOS, FreeRTOS, and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) FreeRTOS up to version 1.3.1
- FreeRTOS up to version 10.0.1 (utilizing FreeRTOS+TCP)
- WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect middleware TCP/IP component
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a division by zero, potentially leading to denial of service or arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16523 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches or updates provided by the respective vendors to fix the vulnerability.
- Monitor vendor sources for security advisories and apply recommended security measures.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and firmware to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Check for patches or updates released by Amazon Web Services, FreeRTOS, and WITTENSTEIN WHIS Connect to address the division by zero vulnerability.