CVE-2011-4201 in Restorepoint
Summary
by MITRE
remote_support.cgi in the Tadasoft Restorepoint 3.2 evaluation image allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) pid1 or (2) pid2 parameter in a stop_remote_support action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4201 affects the Tadasoft Restorepoint 3.2 evaluation image and represents a critical command injection flaw in the remote_support.cgi script. This vulnerability resides within the web interface component responsible for managing remote support functionality, specifically targeting the stop_remote_support action. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The vulnerability impacts both pid1 and pid2 parameters, indicating a broader scope of potential exploitation within the same function. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, commonly referred to as command injection. The attack vector leverages shell metacharacters that are interpreted by the underlying operating system, allowing malicious actors to chain commands and potentially gain full system control. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level rather than just the application level, enabling attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization practices. When the remote_support.cgi script processes the stop_remote_support action, it directly incorporates user-supplied pid1 and pid2 parameters into system command execution without adequate filtering or escaping of special shell characters. This allows attackers to inject malicious shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that are interpreted by the command shell, enabling arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the use of shell commands for malicious purposes. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted requests that include shell commands within the pid1 or pid2 parameters, potentially leading to complete system compromise including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent access. The evaluation nature of the affected software suggests this vulnerability may have been present in production systems as well, though the vendor may have provided limited support for the evaluation version.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4201 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This access level can enable attackers to modify system files, install malware, create backdoors, or access confidential information stored on the device. The vulnerability's location within the remote support functionality indicates that it could be particularly dangerous in environments where remote access capabilities are used for system administration. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the web server process has elevated system privileges, allowing attackers to gain root or administrator access to the underlying operating system. The exposure of this vulnerability in an evaluation image suggests that organizations deploying similar software may be at risk, especially if they have not applied appropriate security patches or updates. The attack could result in persistent access to the system, enabling long-term unauthorized access and data compromise. Organizations using this software may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if data breaches occur as a result of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4201 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures to prevent command injection attacks. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters or escapes special shell characters from user inputs before they are processed by system commands. Organizations should consider implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable input values and ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped or quoted when used in system command execution contexts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to the Tadasoft Restorepoint software, and organizations should consider migrating to supported versions that have addressed this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive network monitoring to detect any potential exploitation attempts and incident response procedures to address successful attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Security awareness training for administrators can help prevent accidental exposure of vulnerable systems and ensure proper configuration practices are followed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing command injection attacks, aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.