Description Preview
Wind River VxWorks versions 6.7 through 6.9 and vx7 contain a buffer overflow in the IPNET TCP component caused by improper handling of the TCP Urgent Pointer state during connect() to a remote host. This IPNET security vulnerability, CVE-2019-12261, could allow a remote attacker to crash the TCP stack or potentially execute arbitrary code on affected devices, depending on the execution context and privileges. The issue is identified as one of multiple IPNET TCP vulnerabilities (issue 3 of 4) and is documented across multiple vendor advisories. Affected platforms include older VxWorks releases; remediation requires applying vendor-provided patches or upgrading to a fixed release, with additional mitigations available where upgrading is not feasible.
Overview
This CVE describes a buffer overflow in the IPNET TCP stack of Wind River VxWorks (versions 6.7–6.9 and vx7) stemming from TCP Urgent Pointer state confusion during connect() to a remote host. As an IPNET TCP vulnerability, it can potentially be exploited remotely to disrupt or compromise affected systems. The issue has been referenced in multiple security advisories from vendors and organizations, underscoring the need for applying the appropriate patch or upgrade to a fixed version and implementing compensating controls where necessary.
Remediation
- Apply the official Wind River fix: upgrade to a patched VxWorks release or apply the vendor-provided security hotfix addressing CVE-2019-12261. Check Wind River advisories and the specific page on IPNET urgent pointer vulnerabilities for the exact patched version (e.g., the “tcp-ip-network-stack-ipnet-urgent11” advisory page and related CVE notices).
- If upgrading is not feasible in the short term: implement compensating controls to limit exposure, such as:
- Restricting remote TCP connect access to affected devices via network segmentation and firewall ACLs.
- Isolating vulnerable systems from untrusted networks and limiting lateral movement.
- Enabling intrusion detection/monitoring for anomalous TCP Urgent Pointer usage or connect() attempts targeting the IPNET stack.
- Validate remediation:
- Confirm the patched version is running on affected devices.
- Run vulnerability scans or vendor-provided checks to verify the fix is in place.
- Monitor for indicators of compromise or exploit attempts related to this CVE.
- Documentation and risk review:
- Update asset inventories to reflect patched status.
- Reassess exposure and update risk assessments accordingly.
References
- Oracle CPU Oct 2020 Security Alerts
- Wind River Security Notices
- SonicWall PSIRT SNWLID-2019-0009
- Siemens SSA-632562.pdf
- NetApp Advisory NTAP-20190802-0001
- Wind River IPNET Urgent11 Announcement
- F5 Support Article K41190253
- Siemens SSA-189842.pdf
- Siemens SSA-352504.pdf
- Wind River CVE page (view id)
- Wind River CVE Detail (on view id)
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Medium
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Medium
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
