Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessBypass Philips Hue Bridge authentication mechanism
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ExploitSend crafted PUT request to characteristics endpoint
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ExecutionTrigger heap-based buffer overflow
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ImpactExecute arbitrary code on bridge
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A06:2021 - Vulnerable and Outdated Components
ASVS 5.0
V15 - Secure Coding and Architecture Heap buffer bounds checking
MITRE ATT&CK
1 technique across 1 tactic: Execution The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Exploitation Conditions | Network-adjacent access to Philips Hue Bridge with exploitable authentication bypass. Attacker must reach the hk_hap characteristics endpoint and send PUT request with oversized payload exceeding heap buffer validation. |
| Impact | The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.0 (High) reflects significant risk with Attack Vector: Adjacent Network (AV:A), Low Attack Complexity (AC:L), Low Privileges Required (PR:L), and High impact to Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. However, the real-world risk appears moderate based on several factors: (1) No EPSS score indicates low observed exploitation probability, (2) Not listed in CISA KEV catalog suggesting no active exploitation, (3) Requires network-adjacent access limiting remote attacks, (4) While authentication bypass is mentioned, details are unclear. The combination of RCE capability with authentication bypass is concerning, but the adjacent network requirement significantly limits the attack surface compared to internet-facing vulnerabilities. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker on the same local network as the Philips Hue Bridge (e.g., compromised device, malicious insider, or guest network access) could send specially crafted PUT requests to the HomeKit HAP characteristics endpoint. By exploiting the authentication bypass and sending oversized data in the request, they trigger a heap buffer overflow, potentially overwriting function pointers or other critical data structures to achieve code execution with device privileges. No public proof-of-concept is mentioned, but the low attack complexity suggests exploitation is straightforward for skilled attackers. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 13, 2026
Heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Philips Hue Bridge devices that allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code through malformed PUT requests to the HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) characteristics endpoint. While authentication is normally required, the advisory notes the authentication mechanism can be bypassed, effectively allowing unauthenticated remote code execution. No EPSS score or KEV listing is available, suggesting this is not currently being exploited in the wild.
RemediationAI
No specific patch information or fixed versions are available in the provided references. The ZDI advisory link (https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-159/) should be consulted for potential updates. Recommended mitigations include: (1) Ensure Hue Bridge devices are not accessible from untrusted networks, (2) Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices, (3) Monitor for firmware updates from Philips, (4) Consider disabling HomeKit integration if not required until a patch is available.
Affected VersionsENISA
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in euvd
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
The vulnerability affects Philips Hue Bridge devices (CPE: cpe:2.3:a:philips:hue_bridge:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*) in their HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) implementation, specifically the 'hk_hap characteristics' handling. This is a classic heap buffer overflow (CWE-122) where the application fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it to a heap-allocated buffer during PUT request processing. The HomeKit HAP protocol is used for Apple HomeKit integration, allowing iOS devices to control smart home accessories.
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Severity by source
AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
DescriptionCVE.org
Philips Hue Bridge hk_hap characteristics Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Philips Hue Bridge. Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanism can be bypassed.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of PUT requests to the characteristics endpoint. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the device. Was ZDI-CAN-28479.
Zero Day Initiative Advisories
Executive ViewAI
Philips Hue Bridge devices contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability that bypasses authentication, potentially allowing attackers to compromise smart home infrastructure and gain network access. Organizations deploying these devices should assess exposure immediately and implement interim protections, as no vendor patch is currently available.
Implement network segmentation to isolate Hue Bridge devices from critical systems; deploy WAF or intrusion prevention rules to block malformed PUT requests to HAP endpoints (/characteristics); disable HomeKit Accessory Protocol if operationally feasible; enforce strict firewall rules limiting access to HAP ports; monitor for suspicious network activity from affected devices; consider temporary device shutdown pending patch availability.
Threat Intelligence Overview
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
A buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a memory buffer than it was allocated to hold, causing the excess data to spill into adjacent memory regions.
A heap overflow occurs when a program writes data beyond the bounds of a buffer allocated in the heap memory region.
Remote Code Execution represents the critical moment when an attacker successfully runs arbitrary code on a target system without physical access.
EUVD-2026-12162
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
GitHub PoC
Exploit-DB