CVE-2015-7901 in Mango Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Infinite Automation Mango Automation 2.5.x and 2.6.x through 2.6.0 build 430 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary OS commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7901 affects Infinite Automation Mango Automation versions 2.5.x through 2.6.0 build 430, representing a critical remote command execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to compromise the underlying operating system. This vulnerability resides within the automation platform's handling of user inputs and system interactions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary operating system commands remotely. The issue manifests through unspecified vectors within the software's architecture, suggesting a fundamental flaw in input validation or command processing mechanisms that could be exploited by attackers who have already gained authentication credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS command injection flaws, where improperly sanitized user inputs are directly passed to operating system commands without adequate validation or sanitization. The affected versions of Mango Automation demonstrate a failure in implementing proper input sanitization controls, allowing attackers to inject malicious command sequences that get executed with the privileges of the automation platform's running process. This presents a significant risk as the automation platform typically operates with elevated privileges to manage industrial control systems and may have access to sensitive operational data and system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage their authenticated access to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as attackers could potentially access sensitive operational data, modify system configurations, disrupt industrial processes, or establish persistent access through backdoor commands. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where security perimeters may be less strictly enforced. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, representing a critical weakness in the platform's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7901 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest stable releases of Mango Automation that address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls and sanitize all user inputs before processing, following secure coding practices that prevent command injection attacks. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the automation platform. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial automation environments where the consequences of exploitation can extend beyond traditional information technology risks to operational technology systems.