CVE-2020-27337 Overview
An issue was discovered in Treck IPv6 before version 6.0.1.68. Improper Input Validation in the IPv6 component allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to cause an Out-of-Bounds Write, and possibly a Denial of Service via network access. This vulnerability affects the Treck TCP/IP stack, which is embedded in numerous IoT devices and industrial systems, making the potential attack surface significant.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can exploit improper input validation in the IPv6 component to trigger an out-of-bounds write condition, potentially leading to denial of service or memory corruption on affected embedded systems.
Affected Products
- Treck IPv6 versions before 6.0.1.68
- IoT devices and embedded systems utilizing Treck TCP/IP stack with IPv6 support
- Industrial control systems and networking equipment running vulnerable Treck firmware
Discovery Timeline
- 2020-12-22 - CVE-2020-27337 published to NVD
- 2025-09-30 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2020-27337
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) within the IPv6 component of the Treck TCP/IP stack, which leads to an out-of-bounds write condition (CWE-787). The Treck TCP/IP stack is a widely deployed embedded networking solution found in IoT devices, industrial control systems, and various networked appliances.
The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access to send specially crafted IPv6 packets that bypass input validation checks. When processed by the vulnerable IPv6 component, these malformed packets cause the system to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. This can result in memory corruption, system instability, or a complete denial of service condition.
The network-based attack vector combined with the lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for devices exposed to untrusted networks. Embedded systems running vulnerable versions of the Treck stack may be difficult to identify and patch, as the stack is often deeply integrated into device firmware.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in the Treck IPv6 component. The vulnerable code fails to properly validate the bounds and format of incoming IPv6 packet data before processing it, allowing malformed or maliciously crafted packets to trigger memory writes outside the expected buffer boundaries. This is a classic example of CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) leading to CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write).
Attack Vector
The attack can be carried out remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious IPv6 packets designed to exploit the input validation weakness in the Treck stack. When these packets reach a vulnerable device and are processed by the IPv6 component, the improper validation allows the attacker to cause out-of-bounds memory writes.
The attack scenario typically involves:
- The attacker identifies a target device running a vulnerable version of the Treck TCP/IP stack with IPv6 enabled
- Maliciously crafted IPv6 packets are sent to the target device over the network
- The vulnerable IPv6 component processes the packets without proper validation
- Out-of-bounds write occurs, potentially causing denial of service or memory corruption
- The affected device may crash, become unresponsive, or exhibit undefined behavior
Detection Methods for CVE-2020-27337
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected system crashes or reboots on embedded devices with IPv6 enabled
- Unusual IPv6 traffic patterns or malformed IPv6 packets in network logs
- Memory corruption errors or segmentation faults reported by affected systems
- Increased network traffic targeting IPv6-enabled embedded devices
Detection Strategies
- Deploy network intrusion detection systems (IDS) with rules to detect malformed IPv6 packets
- Monitor embedded devices for unexpected restarts or service interruptions
- Implement deep packet inspection for IPv6 traffic to identify anomalous packet structures
- Conduct regular firmware audits to identify devices running vulnerable Treck stack versions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable logging on network devices to capture IPv6 traffic anomalies
- Set up alerts for sudden increases in IPv6-related errors or crashes on embedded systems
- Monitor for network reconnaissance activity targeting IPv6-enabled devices
- Establish baseline behavior for embedded devices to detect deviations indicating exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2020-27337
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all devices in your environment running Treck TCP/IP stack with IPv6 support
- Update affected Treck IPv6 components to version 6.0.1.68 or later
- If patching is not immediately possible, consider disabling IPv6 on vulnerable devices where feasible
- Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable embedded devices from untrusted networks
Patch Information
Treck has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in IPv6 version 6.0.1.68. Organizations should consult the Treck Vulnerability Response Information page for official patch details and guidance. Additionally, the NetApp Advisory NTAP-20210201-0003 provides information for NetApp products that may incorporate the affected Treck stack.
Due to the nature of embedded systems, applying patches may require firmware updates from device manufacturers rather than direct updates to the Treck component. Organizations should contact their device vendors to obtain updated firmware that includes the patched Treck stack.
Workarounds
- Disable IPv6 on vulnerable devices if IPv6 functionality is not required for operations
- Deploy network-level filtering to block potentially malicious IPv6 packets from reaching vulnerable devices
- Isolate affected embedded systems behind firewalls with strict ingress filtering rules
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable IoT and embedded devices to untrusted networks
- Monitor and restrict network access to embedded systems running vulnerable firmware
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
