CVE-2023-23302 – CVE-2023-23302 is a critical buffer overflow vu... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-23302?

CVE-2023-23302 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). CVE-2023-23302 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in Garmin's Connect IQ API that allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability exists in the setDeviceConfig method which fails to validate input parameters, enabling firmware hijacking. This affects Garmin smartwatches and fitness devices running vulnerable Connect IQ API versions.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2023-23302 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in Garmin's Connect IQ API that allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability exists in the setDeviceConfig method which fails to validate input parameters, enabling firmware hijacking. This affects Garmin smartwatches and fitness devices running vulnerable Connect IQ API versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Garmin smartwatches
Garmin fitness devices
Devices using Connect IQ platform

Versions: Connect IQ API versions 1.2.0 through 4.1.7

Operating Systems: Garmin's proprietary OS on affected devices

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices with vulnerable Connect IQ API versions are affected regardless of configuration. The vulnerability is in the API itself.

📦 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 modification, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and potential physical safety risks if device controls are manipulated.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious app gains elevated privileges to access sensitive data (health metrics, location, personal info) and potentially disrupt device functionality.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if app store review catches malicious apps and users only install trusted applications from official sources.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM - Exploitation requires malicious app installation, but apps can be distributed through various channels including sideloading.

🏢 Internal Only: LOW - Primarily affects individual consumer devices rather than enterprise infrastructure.

🎯 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 technical details are publicly documented in research advisories.

🛠️ 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/Ant/GenericChannel.html

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Garmin device firmware to latest version via Garmin Express or Garmin Connect mobile app. 2. Ensure Connect IQ apps are updated through Garmin Connect IQ Store. 3. Restart device after updates.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict app installations

all

Only install Connect IQ apps from official Garmin Connect IQ Store and avoid sideloading unknown apps.

Disable unnecessary permissions

all

Review and restrict app permissions for existing Connect IQ applications.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable Connect IQ app functionality entirely if not needed
Only use devices for basic functions without third-party apps installed

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Connect IQ API version on device: Settings > System > About > Software Version. Look for Connect IQ version between 1.2.0 and 4.1.7.

Check Version:

No command-line option. Check via device settings menu or Garmin Connect app under device details.

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm Connect IQ API version is 4.1.8 or higher after updating device firmware.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual app behavior logs
Multiple failed API calls to setDeviceConfig
Unexpected firmware modification attempts

Network Indicators:

Suspicious app downloads from unofficial sources
Unusual data exfiltration from device

SIEM Query:

Not applicable for consumer devices. For enterprise monitoring: look for patterns of malicious app installations across multiple devices.

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-23302

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-120

Published: May 23, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2023-23302, you might also want to check these: