CVE-2014-8387 in EKI-6340
Summary
by MITRE
cgi/utility.cgi in Advantech EKI-6340 2.05 Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the pinghost parameter to ping.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8387 affects the Advantech EKI-6340 2.05 Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point device, specifically targeting the cgi/utility.cgi component that interfaces with ping.cgi functionality. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the pinghost parameter processing, where shell metacharacters can be injected to manipulate the underlying system commands. The device operates as a network access point in mesh networking configurations, typically deployed in industrial and enterprise environments where network infrastructure security is paramount. Attackers who have gained authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over the device's operating system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the network segment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command inside a software component. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks is passed directly to system commands without proper sanitization or escaping. The ping.cgi utility likely executes system commands using functions like system() or exec() in C-based implementations, where unfiltered input allows attackers to append malicious commands to legitimate network diagnostic operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network infrastructure devices because it can be exploited to establish persistent access, redirect network traffic, or serve as a launching point for attacks against other networked systems. The authenticated nature of the attack requires an attacker to first obtain valid credentials, which may be acquired through social engineering, credential brute force, or other initial compromise techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to manipulate network configurations, install malicious software, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network. In industrial environments where Advantech devices are commonly deployed, such as manufacturing facilities or critical infrastructure, this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions and potential safety hazards. The compromised device may become a persistent backdoor, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access while potentially remaining undetected. Network monitoring systems might not immediately flag the malicious activity as it could appear as legitimate network diagnostic traffic. The vulnerability also affects the device's integrity and availability, as attackers can potentially cause service disruption or data corruption through their command injection capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8387 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Advantech, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing the input validation issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to administrative interfaces. Regular credential rotation and strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication should be enforced to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual patterns in network diagnostic traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as exploitation requires both command injection capabilities and legitimate authentication credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network infrastructure devices, particularly those handling user-supplied data in system command contexts.