CVE-2017-16522 in GPT-2541GNAC
Summary
by MITRE
MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC (HGU) 1.00(VNJ0)b1 and DSL-100HN-T1 ES_113WJY0b16 devices allow remote authenticated users to obtain root access by specifying /bin/sh as the command to execute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16522 affects MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC (HGU) version 1.00(VNJ0)b1 and DSL-100HN-T1 ES_113WJY0b16 devices, representing a critical authentication bypass and privilege escalation flaw within network infrastructure equipment. This vulnerability resides in the command execution handling mechanism of these devices, which fail to properly validate user inputs when processing commands through their web-based management interfaces. The flaw allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root access by exploiting a command injection vector that directly executes system shell commands without adequate sanitization or access control enforcement. This represents a significant security weakness in the device's authorization framework, as it permits any authenticated user to gain full administrative control over the device's operating system and network configuration parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of command execution parameters within the device's web interface, where an authenticated user can specify /bin/sh as the command to execute, effectively bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. This flaw falls under the CWE-78 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern that allows attackers to inject malicious commands into the underlying operating system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and command sanitization in the device's management interface, where user-supplied command parameters are directly passed to system execution functions without proper filtering or escaping of special characters that could alter the intended command flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk to network security and device integrity, as it allows malicious actors with legitimate login credentials to gain complete control over affected devices. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, as these devices often serve as critical entry points for internet connectivity and network management. Network administrators may be unaware of the privilege escalation capabilities until after an attack has occurred, since the vulnerability does not require special attack tools or complex exploitation techniques. The device's web interface, which is typically accessible from both internal and external networks, becomes a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to network resources and potentially use the compromised device as a launching point for further attacks within the network perimeter.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and command execution. The technique leverages the legitimate authentication mechanisms of the device to gain unauthorized root access, which is characteristic of credential reuse and privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and strict access control policies that restrict who can authenticate to these devices. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to device management interfaces. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and command execution sanitization in embedded network devices, as well as the necessity of regular security assessments and firmware updates to address known vulnerabilities in network infrastructure equipment.