CVE-2023-23609 contiki-ng BLE-L2CAP contains Improper size validation of L2CAP frames

High 8.2 Published 25 Jan 2023 Updated 11 Mar 2025

An out-of-bounds write in the BLE-L2CAP module allows attackers to cause memory corruption, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service on IoT devices.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-23609?

CVE-2023-23609 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in contiki-ng, published on 25 Jan 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Contiki-NG is an open-source, cross-platform operating system for Next-Generation IoT devices. Versions prior to and including 4.8 are vulnerable to an out-of-bounds write that can occur in the BLE-L2CAP module. The Bluetooth Low Energy - Logical Link Control and Adaptation Layer Protocol (BLE-L2CAP) module handles fragmentation of packets up the configured MTU size. When fragments are reassembled, they are stored in a packet buffer of a configurable size, but there is no check to verify that the packet buffer is large enough to hold the reassembled packet. In Contiki-NG's default configuration, it is possible that an out-of-bounds write of up to 1152 bytes occurs. The vulnerability has been patched in the "develop" branch of Contiki-NG, and will be included in release 4.9. The problem can be fixed by applying the patch in Contiki-NG pull request #2254 prior to the release of version 4.9.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-23609?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Contiki-Ng Contiki-Ng.

How do I fix CVE-2023-23609?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-23609 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2023-23609 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-23609 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-qr4q-6h3m-h3g7.