CVE-2017-15043 in AirLink GX400
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Sierra Wireless AirLink GX400, GX440, ES440, and LS300 routers with firmware before 4.4.5 and GX450, ES450, RV50, RV50X, MP70, and MP70E routers with firmware before 4.9 could allow an authenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and gain full control of an affected system, including issuing commands with root privileges. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation on user-controlled input in an HTTP request to the targeted device. An attacker in possession of router login credentials could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Sierra Wireless industrial routers that affects multiple device models including GX400, GX440, ES440, LS300, GX450, ES450, RV50, RV50X, MP70, and MP70E series. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the HTTP request processing layer of the affected firmware versions. According to CWE-20, this constitutes a weakness where input is not properly validated before being processed, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate system behavior through crafted inputs. The vulnerability exists in the authentication context where legitimate users with valid credentials can exploit this flaw to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with root-level access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted HTTP requests that bypass normal input sanitization checks. When an authenticated attacker sends a malicious HTTP request containing specially formatted parameters, the system fails to properly validate these inputs before processing them, allowing the attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the target device. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that leverages the existing authentication mechanism to gain unauthorized system control. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only valid login credentials, making it accessible to attackers who have already compromised legitimate user accounts or have obtained credentials through other means such as credential theft or social engineering attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected network infrastructure. This includes the ability to modify router configurations, access network traffic, redirect connections, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects industrial and commercial network environments where these routers are commonly deployed for remote site connectivity, making it particularly concerning for critical infrastructure operators. The potential for lateral movement and persistent access within network environments makes this vulnerability a significant threat to overall network security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate firmware updates to versions 4.4.5 and 4.9 respectively for the affected device series. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1078 which covers valid accounts as the attacker leverages legitimate authentication credentials to execute malicious commands. Additional defensive measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual HTTP request patterns, enforcing multi-factor authentication for router access, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in network infrastructure devices and serves as a reminder that even authenticated access can be exploited if proper sanitization mechanisms are not implemented.