CVE-2023-23298 – This vulnerability allows integer overflow in t... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-23298?

CVE-2023-23298 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows integer overflow in the BufferedBitmap.initialize API method in Garmin Connect IQ devices, enabling memory corruption and potential firmware hijack. It affects Garmin smartwatches and fitness devices running Connect IQ API versions 2.3.0 through 4.1.7. A malicious Connect IQ app could exploit this to execute arbitrary code on the device.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows integer overflow in the BufferedBitmap.initialize API method in Garmin Connect IQ devices, enabling memory corruption and potential firmware hijack. It affects Garmin smartwatches and fitness devices running Connect IQ API versions 2.3.0 through 4.1.7. A malicious Connect IQ app could exploit this to execute arbitrary code on the device.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Garmin smartwatches
Garmin fitness devices
Garmin Connect IQ compatible devices

Versions: Connect IQ API versions 2.3.0 through 4.1.7

Operating Systems: Connect IQ OS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices running affected Connect IQ API versions are vulnerable when running third-party apps.

📦 What is this software?

Connect Iq by Garmin

View all CVEs affecting Connect Iq →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing firmware-level persistence, data theft, and potential bricking of the device.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious Connect IQ app gains elevated privileges to access sensitive data, modify device behavior, or install persistent malware.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper app vetting and sandboxing, exploitation would be limited to the app's permissions and detected by security controls.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires a malicious Connect IQ app to be installed on the target device. The vulnerability is well-documented with technical details available.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Connect IQ API version 4.1.8 and later

Vendor Advisory: https://developer.garmin.com/connect-iq/api-docs/Toybox/Graphics/BufferedBitmap.html#initialize-instance_function

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Garmin device firmware to latest version. 2. Update Connect IQ apps through Garmin Connect app. 3. Restart the device after updates.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable third-party Connect IQ apps

all

Prevent installation and execution of potentially malicious Connect IQ apps.

Settings > Apps > Connect IQ Apps > Disable

Restrict app installation sources

all

Only install Connect IQ apps from official Garmin Connect IQ Store.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable all third-party Connect IQ apps and widgets
Implement strict app review process for any allowed Connect IQ apps

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Connect IQ API version on device: Settings > System > About > Connect IQ Version. If version is between 2.3.0 and 4.1.7 inclusive, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Settings > System > About > Connect IQ Version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify Connect IQ API version is 4.1.8 or higher after update.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual memory allocation patterns
Multiple failed BufferedBitmap initialization attempts
Unexpected app crashes

Network Indicators:

Suspicious app downloads from unofficial sources
Unusual data exfiltration from device

SIEM Query:

Not applicable for embedded devices; monitor app installation logs in Garmin Connect backend.

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-23298

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

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

CWE: CWE-190

Published: May 23, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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