EMPIRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF IOT FIRMWARE VERSION DIVERSITY AND PATCHING STATUS

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced significant challenges in maintaining firmware security and consistency. This study presents an empirical analysis of firmware version diversity and patching status across a wide range of IoT devices. By collecting and analyzing firmware metadata from multiple vendors and device types, we reveal patterns of version fragmentation, delayed patch deployment, and inconsistent update practices. Our findings highlight critical security implications, such as increased vulnerability exposure and lack of standardization in firmware maintenance. The study provides actionable insights for stakeholders to improve firmware management policies, enhance update mechanisms, and strengthen the overall security posture of IoT ecosystems.