CVE-2026-19186: integer-overflow in zephyrproject zephyr
Description
ieee802154_decipher_data_frame() in subsys/net/l2/ieee802154/ieee802154_frame.c computed payload_len = net_pkt_get_len(pkt) - ll_hdr_len - authtag_len without first checking that the received frame is at least ll_hdr_len + authtag_len bytes long. All three variables are uint8_t, so a frame whose payload is shorter than the configured authentication tag makes the subtraction wrap around to a large value (up to 255). The wrapped length is passed unchanged to ieee802154_decrypt_auth() and on to the CCM operation as cipher_pkt.in_len/out_buf_max, with apkt->tag pointing at frame + ll_hdr_len + payload_len. Because the receive buffer is allocated to the exact length of the frame received from the radio driver, the crypto layer then reads several hundred bytes past the end of the packet buffer and writes the same number of decrypted bytes back over it in place. The frame's authentication tag is only verified after this processing has taken place, so no key material, association or prior authentication is needed — a single crafted short frame from any device in radio range is sufficient. Frame validation in ieee802154_validate_frame() does not prevent it: a data frame is accepted with a one-byte payload. The result is an out-of-bounds read and an out-of-bounds write of up to roughly 240 bytes into the adjacent network-buffer pool, corrupting other packets or allocator metadata and typically faulting the target. The out-of-bounds content is not attacker-chosen (it is ciphertext XOR keystream over out-of-bounds memory) and the frame is dropped when tag verification fails, so the primary impact is memory corruption and denial of service rather than information disclosure. Exposure is limited to configurations that enable the experimental CONFIG_NET_L2_IEEE802154_SECURITY option, select a crypto device via CONFIG_NET_L2_IEEE802154_SECURITY_CRYPTO_DEV_NAME, and have established a security session with a level other than IEEE802154_SECURITY_LEVEL_NONE; with security disabled or at level NONE the tag length is zero and no underflow occurs. The fix rejects frames shorter than ll_hdr_len + authtag_len before the subtraction, and adds the matching guard on the transmit side in ieee802154_create_data_frame().
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
Affected software
zephyrproject
zephyr
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability exists in ieee802154_decipher_data_frame() where payload_len is computed without verifying that the frame length is sufficient, causing an underflow when the payload is shorter than the authentication tag length. This underflow results in a large payload_len value, which is passed to the decryption routine, causing out-of-bounds reads and writes beyond the allocated packet buffer. The authentication tag is verified only after this unsafe processing, allowing a crafted short frame from any device in radio range to trigger memory corruption and denial of service without requiring prior authentication. The issue affects Zephyr versions from 3.2.0 up to and including 4.4.2 when the experimental CONFIG_NET_L2_IEEE802154_SECURITY option and crypto device configuration are enabled. The patch adds frame length validation to reject frames shorter than the sum of header and authentication tag lengths before processing.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability leads to out-of-bounds memory access causing corruption of adjacent network buffer pool memory or allocator metadata, typically resulting in a fault and denial of service. There is no direct information disclosure since the corrupted data is ciphertext XOR keystream over out-of-bounds memory, and frames fail authentication after processing. The attack requires only a single crafted short frame from any device within radio range and does not require key material or prior authentication. The impact is thus primarily denial of service and potential system instability.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available that validates frame length before computing payload length, rejecting frames shorter than the combined header and authentication tag length. Users should upgrade to a fixed version beyond 4.4.2 or apply the vendor's patch. If upgrading is not immediately possible, disabling the experimental CONFIG_NET_L2_IEEE802154_SECURITY option or setting the security level to IEEE802154_SECURITY_LEVEL_NONE prevents the vulnerability by avoiding the underflow condition. No other mitigations are indicated.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- zephyr
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-06T18:36:12.842Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ac60e7e2cdf04f656324a75
Added to database: 10/07/2026, 09:18:54 UTC
Last enriched: 10/07/2026, 09:33:16 UTC
Last updated: 10/07/2026, 18:56:10 UTC
Views: 16
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.