CVE-2016-2297 in WEB'log
Summary
by MITRE
Meteocontrol WEB'log Basic 100, Light, Pro, and Pro Unlimited allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via an "access command shell-like feature."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2297 affects Meteocontrol WEB'log series devices including Basic 100, Light, Pro, and Pro Unlimited models. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that exposes these industrial monitoring systems to unauthorized command injection attacks. The affected devices are designed for environmental monitoring and data logging applications, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface's command execution functionality, specifically within a feature that provides shell-like access capabilities. This flaw allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively granting them full administrative control over the affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied input within the web application's command execution interface. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input parameters that are then passed directly to system commands without adequate sanitization or validation. The CWE-77 vulnerability class applies here, as the flaw represents a direct injection of commands into the operating system shell. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of command injection attacks where user-controllable data is interpreted and executed as system commands. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application layer and requires no prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where these devices often operate with minimal security controls.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents severe risks to industrial control systems and operational technology environments. The affected Meteocontrol devices are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure settings including power generation facilities, water treatment plants, and manufacturing environments where continuous monitoring is essential. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the device, potentially leading to data manipulation, system disruption, or even physical damage to connected equipment. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter applies directly to this vulnerability, as it enables remote execution of system commands through the web interface. The lack of authentication requirements means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous for devices that are exposed to external networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, deployment of network access controls to restrict access to these devices, and application of vendor-provided patches if available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial web applications and highlights the need for regular security assessments of operational technology systems. Given the nature of industrial environments, organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to industrial control system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing all network-connected devices, regardless of their perceived complexity or role in the overall system architecture.