CVE-2024-39289
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a remote code execution vulnerability in ROS's rosparam tool where attackers can execute arbitrary Python code by crafting malicious parameter values. It affects ROS Noetic Ninjemys and earlier distributions. Systems using rosparam with unsanitized user input are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Robot Operating System (ROS)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install malware, pivot to other systems, and exfiltrate sensitive data.
Likely Case
Unauthorized code execution leading to service disruption, data manipulation, or privilege escalation within the ROS environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper input validation and network segmentation are implemented, potentially only affecting isolated ROS components.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting malicious parameter values but no authentication. The eval() function vulnerability is well-understood in security circles.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: ROS Noetic patches available (check vendor advisory)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ros.org/blog/noetic-eol/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update ROS Noetic to latest patched version. 2. Replace vulnerable rosparam components. 3. Restart ROS services. 4. Verify no eval() usage remains in parameter processing.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable converters
linuxRemove or disable angle representation converters in rosparam that use eval()
# Modify rosparam configuration to avoid radian angle converters
# Check ROS documentation for specific configuration changes
Input validation wrapper
linuxImplement input sanitization before rosparam processes user-supplied values
# Create wrapper script that validates parameter values
# Use safe_eval or ast.literal_eval instead of eval()
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Network segmentation: Isolate ROS systems from untrusted networks and users
- Input validation: Implement strict validation of all parameter values before rosparam processing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ROS version is Noetic or earlier and if rosparam uses eval() for parameter processing. Review source code for 'eval(' in rosparam modules.Check Version:
rosversion -dVerify Fix Applied:
Verify ROS is updated beyond vulnerable versions and test that malicious parameter values no longer execute code. Check that eval() is removed from parameter processing.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual parameter values in ROS logs
- Python code execution errors in rosparam logs
- Unexpected process spawns from ROS services
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious parameter payloads sent to ROS parameter servers
- Unusual network traffic to/from ROS nodes
SIEM Query:
source="ros_logs" AND (message="*eval*" OR message="*parameter*" AND message="*malicious*" OR message="*execution*")