firmware: Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions
CVE-2024-45038 is a high-severity improper handling of exceptional conditions vulnerability in firmware from Meshtastic, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2.4.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating firmware to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.6% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update firmware to 2.4.1 or a later version.
- Update Meshtastic Firmware to 2.4.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meshtastic | firmware | < 2.4.1; before 2.4.1 | 2.4.1 |
| Meshtastic | Meshtastic Firmware | before 2.4.1 | 2.4.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
Meshtastic device firmware is a firmware for meshtastic devices to run an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices. Meshtastic device firmware is subject to a denial of serivce vulnerability in MQTT handling, fixed in version 2.4.1 of the Meshtastic firmware and on the Meshtastic public MQTT Broker. It's strongly suggested that all users of Meshtastic, particularly those that connect to a privately hosted MQTT server, update to this or a more recent stable version right away. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions
The product does not handle or incorrectly handles an exceptional condition.
More Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerabilities (CWE-755)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in firmware
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
Recent Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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