CVE-2024-42484
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in ESP-NOW's group message handling where the addrs_num field isn't validated. Attackers can send specially crafted messages to cause memory corruption beyond allocated buffers. This affects devices using vulnerable ESP-NOW implementations for wireless communication.
💻 Affected Systems
- ESP-NOW implementation in Espressif products
- Devices using ESP-NOW protocol
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, data exfiltration, or device bricking through memory corruption attacks.
Likely Case
Denial of service through device crashes or reboots, potentially allowing for privilege escalation in multi-user environments.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring, potentially causing only application crashes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting specific ESP-NOW group messages but doesn't require authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Commit b03a1b4593713fa4bf0038a87edca01f10114a7a
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/espressif/esp-now/security/advisories/GHSA-q6f6-4qc5-vhx5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update ESP-NOW component to commit b03a1b4593713fa4bf0038a87edca01f10114a7a or later. 2. Recompile firmware. 3. Flash updated firmware to affected devices. 4. Restart devices.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ESP-NOW Group Messaging
allDisable group messaging functionality if not required
Configure ESP-NOW to use only unicast messages
Network Segmentation
allIsolate ESP-NOW devices from untrusted networks
Use VLANs or separate wireless networks for ESP-NOW devices
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network monitoring for abnormal ESP-NOW traffic patterns
- Deploy devices in physically secured areas to limit wireless access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ESP-NOW component version against commit b03a1b4593713fa4bf0038a87edca01f10114a7aCheck Version:
Check firmware version and ESP-NOW component hashVerify Fix Applied:
Verify ESP-NOW component includes the validation for addrs_num field in group message handling📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected device reboots
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
- ESP-NOW protocol errors
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal ESP-NOW group message traffic
- Unusually large ESP-NOW packets
SIEM Query:
Search for ESP-NOW protocol anomalies or device crash events