CVE-2016-2332 in SL-1000 M2M Modular Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
flu.cgi in the web interface on SysLINK SL-1000 Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Modular Gateway devices with firmware before 01A.8 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via the 5066 (aka dnsmasq) parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The CVE-2016-2332 vulnerability affects SysLINK SL-1000 M2M Modular Gateway devices running firmware versions prior to 01A.8, specifically targeting the flu.cgi web interface component. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the web administration interface, which typically requires legitimate user credentials to access, yet still permits privilege escalation through improper input validation mechanisms.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of the 5066 parameter, also known as dnsmasq parameter, within the flu.cgi script. When authenticated users submit commands through this parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it within the system shell context. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where malicious payloads can be executed with the privileges of the web application user, typically root or system-level privileges. The vulnerability maps to CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, particularly focusing on the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of M2M gateway devices that are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments. These devices serve as communication hubs for industrial control systems, smart grid components, and IoT deployments where unauthorized access can lead to significant operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical system compromise. The fact that authentication is required limits the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but it does not eliminate the risk as compromised credentials can still be leveraged for persistent access. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain full control over the device, install backdoors, modify network configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to version 01A.8 or later, which address the input validation issues in the flu.cgi script. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit who can reach the web interface, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application development, particularly for devices that handle sensitive industrial communications. Additionally, security assessments should include reviewing all web interface components for similar command injection vulnerabilities, as this flaw represents a common pattern in embedded systems where rapid development cycles may overlook critical security controls. The incident underscores the necessity for robust security testing and the implementation of secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle, particularly for network-connected devices that operate in environments where security failures can have far-reaching consequences.