CVE-2017-12945 in Solstice Pod
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient validation of user-supplied input for the Solstice Pod networking configuration enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12945 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Solstice Pod networking configuration functionality. This device serves as a wireless presentation solution that allows users to share content from mobile devices to displays, making it a target for attackers seeking persistent access to networked environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during the configuration process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The affected system operates with elevated permissions during network configuration operations, which compounds the severity of this flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users provide malicious input through the networking configuration interface. The insufficient validation allows attackers to bypass normal input sanitization checks and inject command sequences that get executed within the context of the root user. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically representing a command injection vulnerability where attacker-supplied data is interpreted and executed as commands by the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only authentication to exploit, making it accessible to individuals who have legitimate access to the device's configuration interface. Attackers can leverage this to gain complete control over the device and potentially use it as a pivot point for accessing the broader network infrastructure.
Operationally, the implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands as root, enabling them to modify system files, install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent access to the network. The Solstice Pod's role as a presentation device makes it particularly attractive to attackers, as it often operates in enterprise environments where it may have access to sensitive networks and data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or advanced techniques, making it accessible to threat actors across different skill levels. This accessibility combined with the elevated privileges granted through the exploit creates a significant risk for organizations relying on this device for wireless presentation capabilities.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying vendor patches and updates as soon as they become available, which typically address the input validation gaps in the networking configuration interface. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit the potential impact of exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker compromises one device, they cannot easily move laterally through the network. Access controls must be strictly enforced, implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the device's configuration interfaces. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices. Additionally, monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-77 and its potential mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection solutions that can identify and block malicious command injection attempts.