CVE-2022-39064 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Ikea TRÅDFRI smart lighting system, specifically versions prior to 2.0.029. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of unexpected data types (CWE-241) in the processing of IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee) frames. An attacker within radio range can send a single malformed Zigbee frame as an unauthenticated broadcast message, causing the affected TRÅDFRI bulb to blink. More critically, if the attacker replays the same malformed frame multiple times, the bulb performs a factory reset. This reset wipes out the bulb's configuration data, including Zigbee network settings and brightness levels. Post-attack, all affected bulbs default to full brightness and become unresponsive to user controls via the IKEA Home Smart app or the TRÅDFRI remote control. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, and the attack surface includes all vulnerable devices within wireless range. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on integrity and availability, with an attack vector that is adjacent network (wireless), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the direct impact on device functionality make this a significant threat to users of the TRÅDFRI smart lighting system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk to operational continuity and user experience in environments using Ikea TRÅDFRI smart lighting. The forced factory reset can disrupt lighting configurations in offices, retail spaces, or smart buildings, potentially causing safety concerns (e.g., lighting going to full brightness unexpectedly) and operational disruptions. The inability to control lighting remotely or locally until reconfiguration can impact energy management and security systems relying on smart lighting. Since the attack requires only proximity and no authentication, attackers could exploit this vulnerability in public or semi-public areas, such as office buildings, hotels, or retail stores. The disruption could also be leveraged as part of a broader attack to cause confusion or distraction. While confidentiality is not directly impacted, the integrity and availability of the lighting system are severely affected. This could also undermine trust in IoT deployments within European organizations, especially as smart building technologies become more prevalent.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize updating all TRÅDFRI smart lighting devices to firmware version 2.0.029 or later, where the issue is addressed. Since the attack exploits unauthenticated broadcast frames over Zigbee, network segmentation and physical security controls are critical. Deploy Zigbee network monitoring tools to detect anomalous or malformed frames and implement wireless intrusion detection systems (WIDS) tailored for Zigbee traffic. Limit physical access to areas with TRÅDFRI devices to reduce the risk of attackers being within radio range. Consider deploying Zigbee devices with enhanced security features or alternative smart lighting solutions that support authenticated communication. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures for IoT device disruptions, including rapid reconfiguration protocols to restore normal operation after a factory reset. Regularly auditing IoT device firmware versions and maintaining an inventory of deployed smart lighting devices will help ensure timely patch management.