CVE-2017-12573 in CS-W50HD
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on PLANEX CS-W50HD devices with firmware before 030720. The device has a command-injection vulnerability in the web management UI on NAS settings page "/cgi-bin/nasset.cgi". An attacker can send a crafted HTTP POST request to execute arbitrary code. Authentication is required before executing the attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2020
The CVE-2017-12573 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in PLANEX CS-W50HD network attached storage devices running firmware versions prior to 030720. This vulnerability exists within the web management interface of the device, specifically targeting the NAS settings page at /cgi-bin/nasset.cgi. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device through carefully crafted HTTP POST requests, making it a significant security risk for organizations relying on these network storage solutions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full control over the affected NAS device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of the PLANEX device. When administrators or authorized users interact with the NAS settings page, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into system commands. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted and executed as shell commands by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or knowledge of the underlying system architecture. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77 as Command Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12573 is substantial, as it allows attackers with valid credentials to escalate their privileges and gain complete control over the affected NAS device. Once exploited, attackers can access all stored data, modify or delete files, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The requirement for authentication before exploitation does not mitigate the risk significantly, as credentials can be obtained through various means including social engineering, credential stuffing attacks, or by exploiting other vulnerabilities within the network. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute commands on the target system. The compromised device could serve as a persistent threat vector, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to network resources and potentially facilitate lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12573 primarily focus on firmware updates and access control measures. Organizations should immediately update all PLANEX CS-W50HD devices to firmware version 030720 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing robust access control measures including strong authentication protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regular credential rotation can help reduce the risk of unauthorized exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring of web application traffic can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of network storage devices can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and the critical need for proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in network management interfaces.