CVE-2017-10910: Denial of Service in mqtt
Summary
CVE-2017-10910: Denial of Service in mqtt. Affects mqtt versions >= 2.0.0, < 2.15.0. Fixed in 2.15.0. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mqtt package is an npm package that provides a client implementation of the MQTT protocol, which is a lightweight messaging protocol for IoT devices. It allows devices to communicate with each other and with a central server. MQTT is widely used in various IoT applications due to its simplicity and efficiency. However, versions of the mqtt package prior to 2.15.0 are vulnerable to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mqtt package arises from the improper handling of PUBLISH packets returning from the server. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a DoS condition, causing the MQTT client to become unresponsive or crash. The impact of this vulnerability can be severe, as it can disrupt the communication between IoT devices and the MQTT server, leading to service outages or malfunctions. However, if the connected servers are trusted and not under the control of a malicious actor, the vulnerability is completely mitigated.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.15.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install mqtt@2.15.0Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If updating the mqtt package is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to ensure that the connected servers are trusted and not compromised by a malicious actor. By guaranteeing the integrity of the MQTT server, the risk of exploitation can be significantly reduced. However, this workaround is not a permanent solution and should be considered temporary until the package is updated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mqtt package prior to version 2.15.0 is vulnerable to a Denial of Service attack. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the package to the latest version. Additionally, ensuring the trustworthiness of connected servers can provide an extra layer of protection. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a Denial of Service condition, causing the MQTT client to become unresponsive or crash. This can result in service outages or malfunctions in IoT applications.
The vulnerability can be mitigated by updating the mqtt package to version 2.15.0 or later. It is also important to ensure that the connected servers are trusted and not compromised.
A temporary workaround is to ensure the integrity of the connected servers and guarantee that they are not under the control of a malicious actor. However, this should be considered a temporary solution until the package is updated.
There are no known public exploits specifically targeting this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is always recommended to apply security updates and patches as soon as they are available.
You can find more information about the mqtt package on its official npm page or the GitHub repository of the project.
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