CVE-2018-20579 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Contiki-NG before version 4.2 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow in the push function in os/lib/json/jsonparse.c, allowing an out-of-bounds write of '{' or '[' characters.

Understanding CVE-2018-20579

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Contiki-NG that could be exploited by attackers.

What is CVE-2018-20579?

Contiki-NG, specifically versions prior to 4.2, contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the push function in os/lib/json/jsonparse.c. This flaw enables attackers to execute an out-of-bounds write operation of specific characters.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20579

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to manipulate the affected system's memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20579

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The stack-based buffer overflow in the push function of Contiki-NG before version 4.2 permits unauthorized writes of '{' or '[' characters, posing a severe security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions before 4.2 are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting the input data to trigger the buffer overflow, leading to unauthorized writes beyond the allocated memory space.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20579 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Contiki-NG to version 4.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate an ongoing exploit attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflows and other memory-related vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Contiki-NG to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.