CVE-2016-10098 in Entera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on SendQuick Entera and Avera devices before 2HF16. Multiple Command Injection vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute arbitrary system commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10098 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting SendQuick Entera and Avera network security appliances. This issue impacts devices running firmware versions prior to 2HF16, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these appliances for network protection. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the device's web interface and command processing mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary system commands through crafted input fields. The flaw exists at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the device's underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The command injection occurs in multiple locations within the device's interface, including administrative functions and configuration settings, making the attack surface particularly broad. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to perform actions such as modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, installing malicious software, or even creating backdoor access for persistent presence within the network environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10098 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader network security implications. Organizations utilizing affected SendQuick devices face potential unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and disruption of security services. The vulnerability's presence in network security appliances means that attackers who successfully exploit it can bypass security controls, potentially gaining access to internal network segments. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter for execution, and T1068 which addresses privilege escalation through local system exploits. The compromised device can serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network, enabling attackers to target other systems and escalate their privileges further.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 2HF16 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, implementing strong access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping network security appliances updated and highlights the need for proper input validation in all web applications. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specific to network appliance compromises.