CVE-2024-41650 is a vulnerability identified in the ROS2 navigation2 package, specifically in the nav2_costmap_2d module. The root cause is insecure permissions (classified under CWE-281: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) that allow an attacker with limited privileges to execute arbitrary code by submitting a crafted script. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), and needs privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other system components. The confidentiality impact is high, indicating potential exposure of sensitive data, while integrity impact is low and availability is unaffected. The vulnerability was reserved in July 2024 and published in December 2024, with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.1, categorizing it as high severity. No patches have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. ROS2 is widely used in robotics for autonomous navigation, making this vulnerability critical for systems relying on nav2_costmap_2d for path planning and obstacle avoidance. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially compromising robotic operations and sensitive data handled by these systems.

The vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges to execute arbitrary code remotely, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and partial compromise of system integrity. While availability is not directly impacted, the execution of arbitrary code could enable further attacks that degrade system performance or cause operational disruptions. Organizations using ROS2 navigation2 in critical robotic applications—such as manufacturing automation, autonomous vehicles, and defense robotics—face risks of operational sabotage, data leakage, and loss of control over robotic assets. The high confidentiality impact means sensitive operational data or intellectual property could be exposed. The requirement for some privileges limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where internal threat actors or compromised accounts exist. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests the threat is currently theoretical but should be addressed proactively to prevent future exploitation.

Organizations should immediately audit and tighten permissions on the nav2_costmap_2d component and related ROS2 navigation2 modules to ensure that only trusted users and processes have execution rights. Implement strict role-based access control (RBAC) and isolate robotic systems from untrusted networks to reduce exposure. Monitor logs for unusual script execution attempts and anomalous behavior within ROS2 navigation2 components. Apply any official patches or updates from Open Robotics as soon as they become available. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on ROS2 navigation components to identify and remediate similar permission issues. Employ network segmentation to limit access to robotic control systems and use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting unauthorized code execution. Additionally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to robotic system compromises.