An RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) is an operating system specifically designed to handle real-time applications where precise response time is crucial. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the RTOS market was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2022, and it is projected to grow to USD 7.5 billion by 2027, representing a growth rate of 6.7% CAGR. Unlike more widely known operating systems such as Linux or Windows, which may process tasks in a non-deterministic manner, an RTOS must ensure that every task is completed within a strictly defined time frame. Examples of RTOS applications include industrial control systems, medical devices, and a wide range of IoT devices that are popularly used nowadays. H. Kopetz noted in his book: “Real-time operating systems require rigorous timing and scheduling guarantees, but security is often sacrificed to achieve these”. That is why the challenges related to their security are becoming increasingly complex.
In this article, we will examine the most common attacks on RTOS, and demonstrate their mechanisms, impacts, and preventive measures.
In DoS attacks, the goal is to disrupt the system’s operation by overloading resources such as the processor or memory. In the case of an RTOS, which operates under strict time constraints, this overload can lead to delays in task execution or even a complete halt of critical processes. According to research conducted by NCC Group, 98% of IoT devices using RTOS are vulnerable to various types of attacks, including 58% specifically to denial-of-service attacks.
Explanation:
An attacker may flood the RTOS task queue, causing the system to stop functioning in real-time and become unable to perform its core functions.
It should be noted that IoT and embedded systems using RTOS often communicate via lightweight protocols (e.g., MQTT, CoAP), which can be vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) and spoofing attacks. These attacks involve intercepting or falsifying communication between devices, potentially leading to the takeover of the device or the theft of data.
Check Point Research discovered that vulnerabilities in the communication between Philips Hue smart bulbs and their central control unit (bridge) allowed for a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack in 2020. In this attack, an attacker could manipulate the traffic between the device and the controller, intercepting data and even altering the behavior of the lighting system.
The attacker could take control of the smart bulb and through MitM communication, send malicious commands to the central bridge, which is responsible for managing the lighting network. The bridge would recognize these commands as legitimate, creating the possibility of expanding the attack to other devices connected to the same network, or even to the user’s home network. This demonstrated that even small devices, such as smart bulbs, can serve as an initial attack vector for more advanced actions, such as taking control of an entire network.
Improper memory handling is one of the most common attack vectors on embedded systems with RTOS. In Buffer Overflow attacks, an attacker attempts to input more data into a buffer than it can handle. This can lead to system memory being overwritten and malicious code being executed, allowing the attacker to take control of the device.
Explanation:
An RTOS may handle input from a sensor or network device. If the data is not properly validated, a buffer overflow could occur, resulting in the execution of malicious software.
One of the more recent and well-known Buffer Overflow-type attacks was the Heartbleed attack in 2014. Although it is not a classic example of a Buffer Overflow, the exploit taking advantage of the Heartbleed vulnerability is closely related to buffer overflow mechanisms and memory manipulation.
Heartbleed was a serious vulnerability in the implementation of the OpenSSL protocol (specifically in the “Heartbeat” mechanism). The bug in the code allowed attackers to read portions of the server’s memory, including sensitive data such as private keys, login credentials, passwords, and even encrypted user data.
In the Heartbeat mechanism, which was designed to maintain a connection between the client and server, there was a flaw that failed to properly validate the length of the transmitted packet. An attacker could send a specially crafted packet with a falsely declared length, causing the server to return more data than it should. Heartbleed affected millions of servers worldwide because OpenSSL was widely used in various applications and services, such as banking services, social media platforms, and e-commerce systems. As a result of this vulnerability, many companies and institutions had to immediately update their systems and replace cryptographic keys that might have been stolen.
Solutions:
fgets()
instead of gets()
, to avoid exceeding available memory,More about IoT hardware development you can find out here:
https://intechhouse.com/blog/navigating-iot-hardware-development-a-comprehensive-guide/
Securing RTOS in the context of IoT and embedded systems is a challenge that requires an understanding of the specific nature of these systems and the application of appropriate protective technologies. The rapid development of IoT and the increasing number of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure mean that IT specialists must continuously adapt their approach to new threats. Implementing multi-layered protection strategies, monitoring network activity, and using appropriate cryptographic tools are just some of the steps that can effectively safeguard RTOS infrastructure against modern cyber threats.
InTechHouse offers much more than expertise in IoT, RTOS, and embedded systems. We are your comprehensive technology partner, ready to support a wide range of business needs. From full-stack development to cybersecurity and data analytics, InTechHouse ensures that your business stays ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Schedule a free consultation and let us help you innovate, streamline operations, and achieve your strategic goals across various industries.
What is Task Hijacking and how does it affect RTOS?
Task Hijacking is an attack in which the attacker takes over or alters the priorities of tasks in an RTOS system. The attacker can manipulate the task scheduling, block critical operations, or force the system to execute malicious code. In real-time systems like RTOS, such manipulations can lead to serious disruptions, including downtime, system crashes, or loss of control over the device.
Why is RTOS more vulnerable to attacks compared to traditional operating systems?
RTOS, due to its design for use in resource-constrained devices, often lacks the advanced security mechanisms that are standard in traditional operating systems like Linux or Windows. Additionally, RTOS is often used in critical applications, making it an attractive target for attackers. The lack of regular updates and complex infrastructure also increases the risk of attacks.
Can RTOS attacks affect home devices like smart speakers?
Yes, home devices such as smart speakers, lighting systems, or electronic locks often run on RTOS and can be vulnerable to various attacks, including Denial of Service, memory attacks (Buffer Overflow), or task hijacking. If not properly secured, they can serve as gateways for attacks on the home network or stored data.
What is ASLR and how does it affect RTOS security?
ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) is a technique that randomly arranges memory protection areas in an operating system. In RTOS, ASLR makes it more difficult for attackers to predict the location of key data or code, significantly complicating Buffer Overflow attacks. ASLR is an effective tool in mitigating memory-based exploits.
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