CVE-2016-4087 in S12700
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei S12700 switches with software before V200R008C00SPC500 and S5700 switches with software before V200R005SPH010, when the debug switch is enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via crafted DNS packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4087 affects Huawei networking equipment including S12700 and S5700 switch models with specific software versions. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the debug functionality of these network devices, creating a critical security gap that adversaries can exploit remotely. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the debug switch feature is enabled, which is often used for troubleshooting and monitoring network operations. When enabled, this feature fails to properly sanitize incoming DNS packet data, allowing malicious actors to craft specially designed packets that can trigger unexpected behavior in the affected switches.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient validation mechanisms within the debug switch functionality, which operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness related to improper input validation and insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate user privileges to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service through manipulation of network device configurations. The improper handling of DNS packets during debug operations creates a pathway for remote code execution or denial of service conditions that can severely impact network availability and integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as successful exploitation can lead to complete network device compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network monitoring, or further exploitation of connected systems. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Huawei switches for core network operations, particularly those with debug features enabled in production environments. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including disabling debug switch functionality on affected devices, updating to patched software versions, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The recommended remediation involves upgrading Huawei switches to versions V200R008C00SPC500 for S12700 models and V200R005SPH010 for S5700 models, which contain the necessary security patches. Network administrators should also consider implementing firewall rules to restrict DNS traffic and monitoring for anomalous packet patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their entire network infrastructure to identify any other devices that may be susceptible to similar weaknesses, particularly those with debug or diagnostic features that are enabled in production environments.