Vulnerability record · CVE-2020-25108 · published 11 December 2020
CVE-2020-25108: Ethernut Nut/OS DNS response length flaw allows out-of-bounds write
Ethernut · Nut\/Os
The DNS implementation in Ethernut Nut/OS 5.1 does not validate the length field of DNS response data, so a packet can set an arbitrary length. This out-of-bounds write can cause a denial of service and possibly remote code execution.
Description
An issue was discovered in the DNS implementation in Ethernut in Nut/OS 5.1. The DNS response data length is not checked (it can be set to an arbitrary value from a packet). This may lead to successful Denial-of-Service, and possibly Remote Code Execution.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Automated analysis
critical priorityCVSS 9.8 with network reachability, no authentication, and high EPSS make this a critical exposure despite no confirmed in-the-wild exploitation.
What it is
The DNS implementation in Ethernut Nut/OS 5.1 does not validate the length field of DNS response data, so a packet can set an arbitrary length. This out-of-bounds write can cause a denial of service and possibly remote code execution.
Impact
An attacker can crash or destabilize the device via malformed DNS responses, and the out-of-bounds write may allow remote code execution in the context of the affected service.
Attack surface
Reachable over the network via DNS response packets (CVSS AV:N, AC:L, PR:N, UI:N), so no authentication or user interaction is required. Any device running Nut/OS 5.1 that processes DNS responses is exposed.
Exploitation
Not listed in CISA KEV and no public exploit references are provided, but EPSS is 0.53699 (99th percentile), indicating a high predicted likelihood of exploitation activity.
What to do
- Apply the vendor fix or update Nut/OS beyond 5.1 if available; consult the CISA ICS advisory ICSA-20-343-01 for vendor guidance.
- If patching is not possible, restrict DNS traffic to trusted resolvers and segment affected devices from untrusted networks.
- Disable or avoid DNS resolution on affected devices where the function is not required.
- Monitor vendor and CERT/CC advisories for updated remediation guidance.
Detection
- Monitor device logs for crashes, reboots, or abnormal resets correlated with DNS traffic.
- Inspect network traffic for DNS responses with anomalous or oversized length fields.
- Watch for unexpected process termination or memory corruption indicators on Nut/OS devices.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Affected products
1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
| Link | Tags |
|---|---|
| https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-20-343-01 | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
| https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/815128 | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
| https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-20-343-01 | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
| https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/815128 | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
Track CVE-2020-25108 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2020-25108), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.