Ripple20 is a set of 19 critical vulnerabilities discovered in the Treck TCP/IP stack, which is embedded in millions of IoT and industrial devices worldwide. These flaws expose devices to remote code execution, data leaks, and complete system compromise, making Ripple20 one of the most significant supply-chain vulnerabilities in embedded systems to date.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to identify devices vulnerable to Ripple20 and provide actionable steps to protect and mitigate the associated risks. If you’re an IT admin, cybersecurity engineer, or vulnerability management specialist, this guide is for you.
What Is Ripple20?
Ripple20 is a term coined by the security firm JSOF to describe 19 security vulnerabilities they discovered in 2020. These flaws affect the Treck TCP/IP library, a lightweight networking stack integrated into numerous embedded IoT devices, including:
- Industrial control systems (ICS)
- Medical equipment
- Network printers
- Smart power grids
- IP cameras and VoIP phones
Treck’s networking stack is used by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and due to the deep supply chain integration, the vulnerabilities have “rippled” across product ecosystems—hence the name Ripple20.
Key Characteristics of Ripple20
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affected Component | Treck TCP/IP stack |
| Discovered By | JSOF Security Researchers |
| Number of Vulnerabilities | 19 |
| CVSS Score Range | 3.1 to 10 (with several scoring 9.0+) |
| Risk Type | Remote Code Execution (RCE), Information Leak, Denial of Service (DoS) |
| Affected Devices | IoT, Industrial, Medical, Telecom, Consumer electronics |
| Disclosure Date | June 2020 |
How Ripple20 Works
Ripple20 vulnerabilities stem from flaws in how the Treck stack processes TCP, IPv4, ICMP, and DNS packets. Several of the flaws allow unauthenticated remote code execution on devices without user interaction.
For example, CVE-2020-11896 enables attackers to send a malformed IP packet that causes a buffer overflow, allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the target device. Since many of these devices operate behind firewalls or are isolated, they often lack adequate patching and detection mechanisms.
How To Identify Devices Vulnerable to Ripple20
Identifying Ripple20-vulnerable devices can be challenging due to the opaque nature of supply chain integrations. Treck’s TCP/IP stack may be embedded into firmware without the OEM explicitly documenting it.
Here are the most effective ways to identify vulnerable devices in your environment:
1. Asset Inventory & Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)
Begin by performing a comprehensive asset inventory using tools like:
- Lansweeper
- Rapid7 InsightVM
- Qualys Asset Inventory
Then, inspect the SBOM or firmware metadata for references to:
- Treck TCP/IP stack
- Custom TCP/IP libraries known to be based on Treck
2. Use Ripple20 Detection Tools
Several security vendors have released Ripple20 scanning plugins:
- Tenable Nessus: Includes a Ripple20 plugin to detect vulnerable firmware versions
- Qualys VMDR: Detects Ripple20 via passive scanning and firmware analysis
- Rapid7 Nexpose: Provides Ripple20 vulnerability checks with risk scores
Tip: If you’re using an EDR/XDR platform, enrich telemetry logs to detect suspicious TCP/IP behaviors associated with Ripple20 exploits.
3. Manual Firmware Analysis
For advanced users, reverse-engineering firmware binaries can help. Use:
- Binwalk to extract firmware
- Ghidra or IDA Pro to analyze code
- Search for Treck-specific signatures (e.g., string “Treck” or “tcplib”)
4. Network Traffic Analysis
Using IDS/IPS systems such as Snort, Suricata, or Zeek, you can monitor network packets for malformed TCP/IP traffic that aligns with known Ripple20 exploitation patterns.
How To Protect Devices From Ripple20 Vulnerabilities
Protecting your environment from Ripple20 involves a mix of patching, segmentation, monitoring, and compensating controls.
1. Patch and Update Firmware
This is the most straightforward but often the hardest due to:
- Vendor delays
- Legacy equipment
- Lack of patching interfaces
Recommended: Contact vendors and request Ripple20 patches or mitigation firmware. Prioritize devices with internet exposure or direct user access.
2. Network Segmentation
Use segmentation policies to isolate vulnerable devices. Place them in a DMZ or segmented VLAN with strict firewall rules.
Example Network Segmentation Table
| Device Type | VLAN | Access Control Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Devices | VLAN 30 | Allow traffic only to management VLAN |
| Printers | VLAN 40 | Block all external internet access |
| ICS/SCADA Systems | VLAN 50 | Allow Modbus, block all else |
3. Deploy Virtual Patching (IPS/IDS)
Use Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to detect and virtually patch devices at the network level. Tools include:
- Snort rules for Ripple20 (check Emerging Threats ruleset)
- Palo Alto Threat Prevention profiles
- Fortinet IPS signatures for Ripple20
4. Continuous Monitoring and Anomaly Detection
Set up SIEM and SOAR platforms to flag Ripple20 exploitation attempts. Integrate with:
- Splunk or Elastic Stack
- Azure Sentinel
- IBM QRadar
Create custom alerts for:
- Unusual DNS queries
- Excessive malformed TCP packets
- Remote connections to embedded devices
5. Remove or Replace End-of-Life Devices
If patching or segmentation isn’t possible, evaluate replacing high-risk legacy systems with modern, secure alternatives that support:
- Over-the-air (OTA) patching
- Secure boot and signed firmware
- Regular vendor security updates
Here is a useful video on Ripple20;
Risk Implications of Ignoring Ripple20
Failing to address Ripple20 in your environment leaves you vulnerable to:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): Attackers can take control of medical or industrial systems.
- Data Breach: Unsecured IoT devices can leak sensitive data.
- Lateral Movement: Once compromised, Ripple20 devices can become stepping stones in a larger breach.
- Regulatory Penalties: Especially in healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI-DSS), and manufacturing (IEC 62443).
Best Practices for Long-Term Ripple20 Risk Management
To stay protected from supply chain vulnerabilities like Ripple20, implement a proactive, lifecycle-based approach:
Patch Governance
- Maintain a patch policy for all embedded devices.
- Require vendors to provide security lifecycle guarantees.
SBOM Transparency
- Mandate SBOMs from suppliers during procurement.
- Integrate SBOMs into vulnerability management workflows.
Zero Trust for IoT
- Apply the Zero Trust Architecture to IoT environments.
- Authenticate every connection, even from internal devices.
Routine Penetration Testing
- Include embedded and IoT systems in annual red-team/pen-test efforts.
- Simulate Ripple20 and similar TCP/IP-based attacks
Final Thoughts
Ripple20 isn’t just a group of CVEs—it represents a broader supply chain risk that impacts the core of modern embedded systems. Identifying and protecting Ripple20-vulnerable devices requires diligence, technical analysis, and cross-team collaboration between IT, OT, and cybersecurity departments.
If your environment includes legacy IoT, ICS, or embedded devices, don’t wait. Start identifying affected assets today and implement layered defense strategies to mitigate the threat of Ripple20.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Ripple20 and why is it dangerous?
Ripple20 refers to 19 vulnerabilities found in the Treck TCP/IP stack used in millions of embedded devices. These flaws allow remote code execution, data leaks, and denial of service—making them highly dangerous, especially in critical infrastructure.
2. Which devices are most likely to be affected by Ripple20?
Devices that use the Treck TCP/IP stack—including medical equipment, industrial control systems, printers, and IoT devices—are most likely to be affected, even if the stack is embedded through third-party firmware.
3. How can I detect Ripple20 vulnerabilities in my network?
Use asset inventory tools, SBOM analysis, Ripple20-specific vulnerability scanners (e.g., Tenable, Qualys), and network traffic analysis through IDS/IPS systems to detect at-risk devices.
4. What should I do if I have a vulnerable device that can’t be patched?
Implement network segmentation, deploy virtual patching via IPS, isolate the device in a restricted VLAN, and monitor it closely using a SIEM solution. Replacing the device should also be considered.
5. Is Ripple20 still a threat in 2025?
Yes. Many embedded devices remain unpatched due to long lifecycles, vendor delays, or lack of update mechanisms. Ripple20 remains a critical supply chain vulnerability for unmonitored and legacy systems.