CVE-2024-22087 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the Pico HTTP Server, specifically within the route function implemented in main.c. The vulnerability arises from the use of an unsafe sprintf function call that does not properly validate or limit the length of the input URI. When a specially crafted, excessively long URI is sent to the server, it causes a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-787). This overflow can overwrite the stack memory, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, making it highly exploitable over the network. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise. Although no patches or vendor information are currently provided, the vulnerability demands urgent attention. The flaw is particularly dangerous in embedded systems or IoT devices where Pico HTTP Server is used due to limited security controls and update mechanisms. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as the vulnerability is straightforward to exploit given the nature of the buffer overflow and the lack of mitigations like ASLR or stack canaries in some embedded environments. Immediate remediation involves replacing unsafe string formatting functions with secure alternatives such as snprintf, implementing strict input validation on URI length, and applying compiler-based protections. Organizations should also monitor network traffic for anomalous long URI requests that could indicate exploitation attempts.

The impact of CVE-2024-22087 on European organizations can be severe, especially for those deploying Pico HTTP Server in embedded devices, IoT infrastructure, or lightweight web services. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system takeover, data theft, service disruption, or use of compromised devices as footholds for lateral movement within networks. Critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications that rely on embedded HTTP servers are at heightened risk. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions. Given the lack of authentication and user interaction requirements, attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely and stealthily. The potential for widespread impact is amplified in environments with limited patch management capabilities or where Pico HTTP Server is embedded in legacy or specialized devices. This could lead to operational disruptions, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage for affected European entities.

To mitigate CVE-2024-22087, organizations should: 1) Identify all instances of Pico HTTP Server deployment, especially in embedded and IoT devices. 2) Conduct a thorough code audit focusing on the use of sprintf and other unsafe string functions; replace them with safer alternatives like snprintf or strlcpy that enforce buffer size limits. 3) Implement strict input validation to limit URI length and reject overly long requests before processing. 4) Apply compiler-level security features such as stack canaries, ASLR, and DEP where possible to reduce exploitation success. 5) Monitor network traffic for abnormal URI lengths or patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Engage with device vendors or developers to obtain patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. 7) If patching is not immediately possible, consider network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to block suspicious URI lengths or malformed HTTP requests. 8) Establish incident response procedures to quickly detect and respond to exploitation attempts. 9) Educate developers and security teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. 10) Maintain an inventory of affected devices and prioritize remediation based on exposure and criticality.