CVE-2024-2214 Overview
CVE-2024-2214 is a memory overwrite vulnerability in Eclipse ThreadX, a real-time operating system (RTOS) used in embedded and IoT devices. The flaw resides in the _Mtxinit() function within the Xtensa port, specifically in ports/xtensa/xcc/src/tx_clib_lock.c. The function omits an array size check before writing to a mutex initialization structure, allowing memory to be overwritten beyond intended bounds. The issue is classified under [CWE-129] Improper Validation of Array Index and affects Eclipse ThreadX versions prior to 6.4.0. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, but successful abuse can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device.
Critical Impact
Missing array bounds validation in _Mtxinit() enables memory corruption on Xtensa-based ThreadX deployments, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or full device compromise.
Affected Products
- Eclipse ThreadX versions prior to 6.4.0
- Xtensa port builds using ports/xtensa/xcc/src/tx_clib_lock.c
- Embedded and IoT devices integrating vulnerable ThreadX builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-26 - CVE-2024-2214 published to NVD
- 2024-05-28 - Full Disclosure and Openwall OSS Security list announcements
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-2214
Vulnerability Analysis
Eclipse ThreadX is an open-source RTOS widely deployed on microcontrollers and system-on-chip devices. The Xtensa port provides C library locking primitives through tx_clib_lock.c, which implements mutex initialization for thread-safe library operations. The _Mtxinit() function initializes a mutex structure but fails to validate the size of the target array before writing initialization data. When the caller supplies a structure smaller than the function expects, the write operation overflows into adjacent memory. On embedded targets without robust memory protection, this corruption can overwrite control data, return addresses, or neighboring mutex state.
Root Cause
The root cause is an improper validation of array index [CWE-129] in the _Mtxinit() function. The Xtensa-specific implementation writes to a mutex control block without confirming that the destination buffer meets the required minimum size. Because ThreadX runs on resource-constrained devices, memory corruption in a synchronization primitive can cascade into scheduler state and application logic.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to a device running vulnerable ThreadX firmware and user interaction to trigger the affected code path. An attacker with code execution or the ability to influence library initialization can force _Mtxinit() to overwrite memory outside the intended structure. The vulnerability affects only builds compiled with the Xtensa port using the XCC toolchain. Successful exploitation on affected devices can escalate to arbitrary code execution within the RTOS context. Refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-vmp6-qhp9-r66x for additional technical detail.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the Full Disclosure Announcement and the Openwall OSS Security List for supplemental technical discussion.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-2214
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes, resets, or scheduler faults on Xtensa-based devices running ThreadX firmware prior to 6.4.0
- Anomalous mutex or synchronization primitive behavior in RTOS diagnostic logs
- Firmware images that include ports/xtensa/xcc/src/tx_clib_lock.c from ThreadX releases earlier than 6.4.0
Detection Strategies
- Inventory firmware bill of materials (SBOM) to identify Eclipse ThreadX versions and port targets in deployed devices
- Perform static analysis of firmware images for the vulnerable _Mtxinit() implementation shipped with pre-6.4.0 releases
- Correlate device telemetry to flag repeated unexpected resets, watchdog triggers, or memory faults indicative of corruption
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest embedded device crash and telemetry data into a centralized data lake for correlation across fleets
- Track vendor firmware advisories for downstream products bundling Eclipse ThreadX and validate patch status on receipt
- Monitor supplier notifications for OEM device updates that address CVE-2024-2214
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-2214
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Eclipse ThreadX to version 6.4.0 or later on all Xtensa port builds
- Rebuild and redeploy firmware for devices identified as running vulnerable ThreadX versions
- Restrict local access and reduce user-triggered execution paths on affected devices until patched firmware is deployed
Patch Information
Eclipse released a fix in ThreadX 6.4.0 that adds the missing array size check in _Mtxinit(). Details are available in the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-vmp6-qhp9-r66x. Downstream vendors integrating ThreadX into commercial products must issue their own firmware updates incorporating the fixed version.
Workarounds
- Where immediate patching is not feasible, limit physical and local user access to affected devices
- Disable or avoid code paths that invoke _Mtxinit() on Xtensa targets if the application architecture permits
- Enforce firmware signing and secure boot to reduce the risk of attacker-supplied code invoking the vulnerable path
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
