CVE-2024-8948
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in MicroPython 1.23.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via a heap-based buffer overflow when converting zero from integer to bytes. It affects any system running vulnerable MicroPython versions, particularly IoT devices and embedded systems using this implementation.
💻 Affected Systems
- MicroPython
📦 What is this software?
Micropython by Micropython
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or device takeover
Likely Case
Denial of service causing device crashes or instability
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or workarounds applied
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be used; heap buffer overflow can lead to RCE
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in commit 908ab1ceca15ee6fd0ef82ca4cba770a3ec41894
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/micropython/micropython/issues/13041
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update MicroPython to version after commit 908ab1ceca15ee6fd0ef82ca4cba770a3ec41894
2. Recompile and redeploy firmware
3. Restart affected devices
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable functionality
allAvoid using mpz_as_bytes function or integer-to-bytes conversion for zero values
# Modify code to avoid int-to-bytes conversion of zero values
Memory protection
linuxEnable ASLR and other memory protection mechanisms if supported by platform
# Platform-specific memory hardening commands
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Network segmentation: Isolate MicroPython devices from untrusted networks
- Input validation: Sanitize all inputs that could trigger integer-to-bytes conversion
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if MicroPython version is 1.23.0 or verify if commit 908ab1ceca15ee6fd0ef82ca4cba770a3ec41894 is not appliedCheck Version:
micropython --version or check firmware version in deviceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify MicroPython version is updated beyond commit 908ab1ceca15ee6fd0ef82ca4cba770a3ec41894📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Memory access violations
- Segmentation faults
- Unexpected process termination
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network traffic to MicroPython devices
- Exploit attempt patterns
SIEM Query:
source="*micropython*" AND (event="segmentation fault" OR event="buffer overflow")