CVE-2016-5065 in GX 440
Summary
by MITRE
Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices with ALEOS firmware 4.3.2 allow Embedded_Ace_Set_Task.cgi command injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5065 affects Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices running ALEOS firmware version 4.3.2, presenting a critical command injection flaw within the Embedded_Ace_Set_Task.cgi web interface component. This vulnerability resides in the device's web server implementation where user-supplied input is inadequately sanitized before being processed and executed within the system shell context. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of parameters passed to the cgi script, which directly incorporates these inputs into system commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters submitted to the Embedded_Ace_Set_Task.cgi endpoint, enabling an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. Given that the web server typically operates with elevated privileges to manage device functions, successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which categorizes command injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution. This type of vulnerability represents a classic path to remote code execution in networked embedded systems where web interfaces provide direct access to system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full administrative control over the affected devices. An attacker could potentially access sensitive device configurations, modify network settings, install malicious firmware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network segment. The GX 440 devices are commonly deployed in industrial and telecommunications environments where they serve as critical network infrastructure components, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous when considering the potential for widespread disruption or data compromise across operational technology networks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication for many implementations, increasing the attack surface and making it accessible to both authorized and unauthorized users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Sierra Wireless addressing the specific command injection flaw in the affected ALEOS versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes operate with minimal required permissions, and input validation mechanisms should be strengthened throughout the device's web interface to prevent similar injection attacks. Additionally, security assessments should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable CGI scripts or web endpoints within the device ecosystem, as this vulnerability may indicate broader architectural weaknesses in the device's security design. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify command injection attempts targeting embedded web interfaces.