Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in Mongoose Package
Summary
OSV-2026-216: Heap-buffer-overflow in mg_mqtt_next_prop. Affects mongoose versions >= c083f204fc16284f67d0d17e63cf21f53630d58c, < cc617d537d151fcba9d5f24fc79cb523dda55a55. Fixed in cc617d537d151fcba9d5f24fc79cb523dda55a55. How to fix ↓
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Background
Mongoose is a lightweight web server and networking library designed for embedded systems and IoT applications. It provides a simple API for handling HTTP and MQTT protocols, making it popular among developers for building efficient and scalable applications. However, like many software libraries, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise the security and stability of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as a heap-buffer-overflow in the function mg_mqtt_next_prop can lead to potential crashes or exploitation of the application using the Mongoose library. This issue was reported through OSS-Fuzz, which highlighted a specific crash state indicating that the application attempts to read beyond the allocated memory buffer. This can result in unpredictable behavior, data corruption, or even remote code execution if exploited by an attacker.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
cc617d537d151fcba9d5f24fc79cb523dda55a55
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you may consider disabling the MQTT functionality in your application if it is not critical to your operations. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until you can apply the patch.
Conclusion
The heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the Mongoose package poses significant risks to applications utilizing this library. It is essential to apply the recommended updates and monitor your software for vulnerabilities to maintain security and stability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can assist in identifying and managing these risks effectively.
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FAQ
A heap buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the heap than it can hold, leading to memory corruption and potential security vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By simply uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to access the code.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to application crashes, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code.
To prevent such vulnerabilities, it is crucial to regularly update dependencies, conduct thorough code reviews, and utilize automated tools like Vulert to monitor for known vulnerabilities.
If immediate updates are not feasible, consider implementing workarounds such as disabling the affected functionality and closely monitoring your application for any unusual behavior.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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