CVE-2024-32018: RIOT is a real-time multi-threading operating system that supports a range of devices that are typically 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers. Mo...

Description

RIOT is a real-time multi-threading operating system that supports a range of devices that are typically 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers. Most codebases define assertion macros which compile to a no-op on non-debug builds. If assertions are the only line of defense against untrusted input, the software may be exposed to attacks that leverage the lack of proper input checks. In detail, in the `nimble_scanlist_update()` function below, `len` is checked in an assertion and subsequently used in a call to `memcpy()`. If an attacker is able to provide a larger `len` value while assertions are compiled-out, they can write past the end of the fixed-length `e->ad` buffer. If the unchecked input above is attacker-controlled and crosses a security boundary, the impact of the buffer overflow vulnerability could range from denial of service to arbitrary code execution. This issue has not yet been patched. Users are advised to add manual `len` checking.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.47%

70.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-120

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Riot-Os	Riot	<= 2024.01

References

http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/7Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/05/07/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/RIOT-OS/RIOT/blob/master/pkg/nimble/scanlist/nimble_scanlist.c#L74-L87Product
https://github.com/RIOT-OS/RIOT/security/advisories/GHSA-899m-q6pp-hmp3Exploit, Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/7Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/05/07/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/RIOT-OS/RIOT/blob/master/pkg/nimble/scanlist/nimble_scanlist.c#L74-L87Product
https://github.com/RIOT-OS/RIOT/security/advisories/GHSA-899m-q6pp-hmp3Exploit, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 1, 2024
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-32018?

RIOT is a real-time multi-threading operating system that supports a range of devices that are typically 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers. Most codebases define assertion macros which compile to a no-op on non-debug builds. If assertions are the only line of defense against untrusted input, the software may be exposed to attacks that leverage the lack of proper input checks. In detail, in the `nimble_scanlist_update()` function below, `len` is checked in an assertion and subsequently used in a call to `memcpy()`. If an attacker is able to provide a larger `len` value while assertions are compiled-out, they can write past the end of the fixed-length `e->ad` buffer. If the unchecked input above is attacker-controlled and crosses a security boundary, the impact of the buffer overflow vulnerability could range from denial of service to arbitrary code execution. This issue has not yet been patched. Users are advised to add manual `len` checking.

How severe is CVE-2024-32018?

CVE-2024-32018 has a CVSS score of 9/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.47% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2024-32018?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.