CVE-2013-2612 in E587 3G Mobile Hotspot
Summary
by MITRE
Command-injection vulnerability in Huawei E587 3G Mobile Hotspot 11.203.27 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands with root privileges due to an error in the Web UI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2021
The CVE-2013-2612 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw discovered in Huawei E587 3G Mobile Hotspot devices running firmware version 11.203.27. This vulnerability exists within the web user interface of the device, creating a significant security risk that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands with root privileges. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the web management interface, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute system commands without authentication or authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed mobile hotspot device used in both personal and enterprise environments, potentially compromising network security and data confidentiality. The affected Huawei E587 device operates with a web-based administrative interface that processes user inputs directly without adequate sanitization, creating an attack vector that can be exploited from remote locations without requiring physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability occurs through the web UI's handling of user-supplied parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands without proper validation or escaping. Attackers can manipulate input fields within the web interface to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the highest privileges available on the device. This allows for complete compromise of the device's functionality, enabling attackers to gain root access and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's command execution mechanisms, bypassing normal authentication and authorization checks by leveraging the web interface's trust in user input. The flaw is categorized as a command injection vulnerability under CWE-77, which encompasses weaknesses where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into command strings executed by the system. This vulnerability type is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to perform operations such as modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, creating new user accounts, or even installing malware on the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2612 extends beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to networks through the compromised mobile hotspot device. When a Huawei E587 device is compromised, attackers can leverage the root privileges to modify network settings, redirect traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can compromise devices from anywhere with internet access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these devices for network connectivity. The implications are severe for enterprise environments where these devices might be used to provide internet access to sensitive networks or for remote workers who depend on mobile hotspots for connectivity. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to create backdoors or persistent access mechanisms that allow attackers to maintain control over the device long after the initial compromise, potentially leading to extended data breaches or network infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2612 require immediate action from device administrators and organizations relying on Huawei E587 devices. The primary recommendation is to upgrade firmware to versions that address the command injection vulnerability, as Huawei has likely released patches to resolve this issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to the web interface, reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized users from reaching the vulnerable interface. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious command execution patterns or unusual network traffic originating from compromised devices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices. The implementation of web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious command injection attempts before they can be successfully executed. Additionally, administrators should disable unnecessary services and features within the web interface, particularly those that allow for command execution or system modifications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper input validation controls in web applications, as recommended by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with compromised devices. Regular security awareness training for personnel who manage these devices is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability, and proper network segmentation can limit the potential impact if a device is compromised.