A critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-39780) has been identified in the Robot Operating System (ROS) dynparam tool, allowing arbitrary code execution through unsafe YAML deserialization. This vulnerability affects ROS Noetic and earlier distributions, with a CVSS score of 8.4 (High). The issue stems from improper use of Python’s yaml.load() function in the dynparam command-line utility, which is used for managing parameters in dynamically configurable nodes.
Executive Summary for Security Leadership
The CVE-2024-39780 vulnerability represents a significant risk to systems running affected ROS distributions. Attackers could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary Python code either locally or remotely. The vulnerability has been patched in ROS Noetic via commit 3d93ac13603438323d7e9fa74e879e45c5fe2e8e, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable.
- Vulnerability Type: YAML deserialization leading to arbitrary code execution
- Affected Systems: ROS Noetic and earlier distributions
- CVSS Score: 8.4 (High)
- Exploitability: Local or remote code execution possible
- Patch Status: Fixed in ROS Noetic
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the dynparam tool’s handling of YAML input during parameter operations. The tool uses Python’s yaml.load() function without proper safeguards, allowing for the creation of arbitrary Python objects. This unsafe deserialization pattern is a known anti-pattern (CWE-502) that has led to numerous vulnerabilities across different programming ecosystems.
The specific implementation flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious YAML payloads that execute arbitrary commands when processed by the dynparam tool. This can occur through both the ‘set’ and ‘get’ verbs in the utility, making it dangerous even for read operations if the input can be controlled by an attacker.
# Example of vulnerable code pattern in ROS dynparam
import yaml
yaml.load("!!python/object/apply:os.system ['rm -rf /']") # Unsafe deserializationProof of Concept and Exploit Details
While no public exploit code is currently available for CVE-2024-39780, the vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern of YAML deserialization flaws. Attackers could craft malicious YAML files containing Python object declarations that execute arbitrary commands when loaded by the vulnerable dynparam tool.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning in ROS environments where the dynparam tool might be exposed to untrusted input, either through direct user interaction or through automated parameter management systems. The impact is compounded by ROS’s common use in industrial and research environments where security controls may be less stringent.
Mitigation Strategies
Organizations using affected ROS distributions should immediately apply the available patch. For systems that cannot be immediately updated, the following mitigation strategies can reduce risk:
- Update to the patched version of ROS Noetic containing commit 3d93ac13603438323d7e9fa74e879e45c5fe2e8e
- Replace all instances of yaml.load() with yaml.safe_load() in custom ROS packages
- Restrict access to the dynparam tool through proper privilege controls
- Monitor for unusual parameter modification activities in ROS systems
Broader Security Implications
CVE-2024-39780 is part of a larger pattern of deserialization vulnerabilities affecting multiple programming languages and frameworks. Recent examples include CVE-2024-27322 in the R language and CVE-2024-12029 in PyTorch. These vulnerabilities highlight the ongoing risks associated with unsafe deserialization practices across different technology stacks.
The ROS vulnerability is particularly significant given the growing adoption of robotic systems in critical infrastructure and industrial environments. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, potentially affecting physical systems controlled by ROS nodes.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-39780 demonstrates the persistent risks associated with unsafe deserialization practices in widely-used frameworks. The ROS ecosystem’s vulnerability to such attacks underscores the need for rigorous security reviews in robotics software development. Organizations using ROS should prioritize patching this vulnerability and review their codebases for similar unsafe deserialization patterns.
This incident serves as a reminder that even mature frameworks can contain dangerous anti-patterns, and that security must be an ongoing consideration throughout the software lifecycle, particularly in systems that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
