CVE-2014-3418 in NetMRI
Summary
by MITRE
config/userAdmin/login.tdf in Infoblox NetMRI before 6.8.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the skipjackUsername parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3418 affects Infoblox NetMRI software versions prior to 6.8.5, specifically within the config/userAdmin/login.tdf component. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation of the skipjackUsername parameter, which is processed within the login.tdf configuration file. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input containing shell metacharacters is not adequately sanitized or escaped before being used in system command execution contexts. This allows malicious actors to inject operating system commands that will be interpreted and executed by the underlying shell, potentially providing complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses Command Injection flaws in software applications. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate and sanitize user input before incorporating it into system commands. When an attacker submits a specially crafted skipjackUsername parameter containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the shell as command separators or operators. This creates an exploitation pathway where arbitrary commands can be executed with the privileges of the affected application, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication for the initial exploitation phase, making it highly attractive to attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3418 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands with the privileges of the NetMRI application, which typically operates with root or administrative privileges on the target system. This access level enables attackers to install backdoors, modify system configurations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects network monitoring and management systems that are often considered critical components of enterprise security infrastructure, making successful exploitation particularly damaging. Organizations using affected NetMRI versions may experience complete loss of control over their network monitoring capabilities while attackers maintain covert access to the underlying infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3418 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 6.8.5 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of NetMRI systems to untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as exploitation typically requires command execution capabilities and may involve account compromise. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar command injection flaws in other network management and monitoring systems that may be exposed to similar attack vectors.