CVE-2006-2043 in IP3 Netaccess 75
Summary
by MITRE
na-img-4.0.34.bin for the IP3 Networks NetAccess NA75 allows local users to gain Unix shell access via "`" (backtick) characters in the appliance s command line interface (CLI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2043 affects the na-img-4.0.34.bin firmware image for IP3 Networks NetAccess NA75 network appliances. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables local attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized shell access to the underlying Unix system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the appliance's command line interface, creating an exploitable path for arbitrary command execution through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of command line arguments using backtick characters, which are interpreted by Unix shells as command substitution operators. When a local user inputs a command containing backtick characters into the appliance's CLI, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape these special characters before processing. This allows the attacker to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the affected service account, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, known as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," which is categorized under the broader class of command injection flaws.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network infrastructure security as it allows local attackers who have access to the appliance's CLI to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary system commands. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation since the compromised appliance serves as a network gateway, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access points, monitor network traffic, or launch further attacks against connected systems. The attack vector requires only local access to the appliance's command interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or administrative access controls may be inadequate.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the appliance's CLI processing code. The recommended approach involves escaping or removing special shell metacharacters including backticks, semicolons, pipes, and ampersands from user inputs before they are processed by the underlying shell. Additionally, privilege separation should be enforced to ensure that CLI operations execute with minimal required permissions rather than elevated system privileges. Organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of CLI activities to detect anomalous command sequences. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on Unix shell abuse, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create dangerous attack surfaces in network appliances.