CVE-2014-3085 in Global Console Manager 16
Summary
by MITRE
systest.php on IBM GCM16 and GCM32 Global Console Manager switches with firmware before 1.20.20.23447 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the lpres parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3085 affects IBM GCM16 and GCM32 Global Console Manager switches running firmware versions prior to 1.20.20.23447. This issue represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability specifically resides in the systest.php web interface script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The lpres parameter within this script serves as the attack vector where maliciously crafted shell metacharacters can be injected to bypass input validation controls.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a classic command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-77 which occurs when a web application incorporates user-supplied data into system commands without adequate input filtering or escaping mechanisms. The systest.php script fails to properly sanitize the lpres parameter, allowing attackers to append shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command chaining operators that enable arbitrary command execution. This flaw exists because the application directly incorporates user input into system command invocations without proper context-aware escaping or parameter validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with full system command execution privileges on the affected switches. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the device's operating system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network resources, data exfiltration, or use of the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote authenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, and can exploit the flaw from any location with valid credentials, making the attack surface significantly broader. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The security implications extend beyond immediate system compromise as these Global Console Manager switches typically serve as critical infrastructure components managing network access control and console sessions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially disrupt network operations, gain unauthorized access to protected network segments, or use the compromised device to launch further attacks against other networked systems. The vulnerability affects enterprise network management infrastructure where these switches are commonly deployed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security and access control are paramount. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the attack surface includes any network environment where these specific IBM switches are deployed and accessible to authenticated users.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing network segmentation to limit access to these management interfaces, enforcing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potentially vulnerable network infrastructure components. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns and implement proper input validation controls in custom web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other system components. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure firmware updates do not disrupt existing network operations while addressing the critical security flaw that could otherwise allow complete system compromise.