CVE-2020-13849 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2020-13849 article provides insights into a vulnerability in the MQTT protocol 3.1.1 that can lead to a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2020-13849

This CVE involves a specific issue in the MQTT protocol that can be exploited by attackers to disrupt service.

What is CVE-2020-13849?

The MQTT protocol 3.1.1 requires a server to set a timeout value of 1.5 times the Keep-Alive value specified by a client, enabling attackers to cause a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13849

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to disrupt services, leading to a loss of the ability to establish new connections, as demonstrated by SlowITe.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13849

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The MQTT protocol 3.1.1 vulnerability involves a server setting a timeout value based on client-specified Keep-Alive, enabling attackers to trigger a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

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Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the Keep-Alive value to cause a denial of service, impacting the ability to establish new connections.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13849, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious traffic.
Monitor network activity for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch MQTT implementations to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches related to the MQTT protocol to mitigate the risk of exploitation.