CVE-2016-5067 in GX 440
Summary
by MITRE
Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices with ALEOS firmware 4.3.2 allow Hayes AT command injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The CVE-2016-5067 vulnerability affects Sierra Wireless GX 440 cellular modems running ALEOS firmware version 4.3.2, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized Hayes AT command injection attacks. This vulnerability resides in the device's communication interface where it fails to properly validate or sanitize input commands received through the Hayes AT command protocol. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal authentication mechanisms, potentially granting them full administrative control over the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the firmware's command processing layer, where user-supplied data is directly interpreted without proper sanitization or filtering. This creates a pathway for remote exploitation where malicious actors can execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-20, which addresses input validation issues in software applications. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted AT commands through the device's serial or network interface, exploiting the lack of proper command parsing and validation. The operational impact extends beyond simple command injection, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, network disruption, and potential lateral movement within connected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to cellular communication channels, potentially intercepting or modifying data traffic, altering device configurations, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks against other networked systems.
Organizations utilizing Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices in industrial control systems, IoT deployments, or critical infrastructure environments face significant operational risks from this vulnerability. The impact is particularly severe in scenarios where these devices control network connectivity for remote monitoring systems, asset tracking solutions, or emergency communication services. The vulnerability affects the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to modify device settings, disable security features, or redirect network traffic to malicious endpoints. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocol usage for command and control communications. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual AT command activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those operating in critical infrastructure environments where device compromise can have far-reaching operational consequences.