CVE-2017-17215 in HG532
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei HG532 with some customized versions has a remote code execution vulnerability. An authenticated attacker could send malicious packets to port 37215 to launch attacks. Successful exploit could lead to the remote execution of arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17215 affects Huawei HG532 broadband access devices running customized firmware versions, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that poses significant security risks to network infrastructure. This vulnerability resides in the device's handling of network packets transmitted to port 37215, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the affected hardware. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and buffer handling mechanisms within the device's network processing stack, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of Huawei HG532 devices that utilize customized firmware implementations, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these devices in both residential and enterprise network environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an authenticated attacker leveraging specific packet structures sent to the designated port 37215 to trigger a buffer overflow condition or similar memory corruption issue within the device's firmware. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack vector requires the attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to the device, as the vulnerability does not permit unauthenticated exploitation. However, the authenticated nature of the attack does not diminish its severity since gaining access to network device credentials is often achievable through various social engineering techniques, credential reuse attacks, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. The successful exploitation results in complete compromise of the affected device, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the device's operating system.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2017-17215 extends beyond simple device compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network infrastructure that can serve as a launching point for further attacks within the local network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpreter execution, as attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or redirect network traffic. The compromised device can be used for various malicious activities including but not limited to network reconnaissance, lateral movement, and as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. Organizations utilizing affected Huawei HG532 devices face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, network disruption, and the possibility of these devices being used as part of larger attack campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in customized firmware versions suggests that the issue may have been introduced through third-party modifications or specific vendor configurations, making it more challenging to identify and remediate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17215 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor-provided firmware updates and patches as soon as they become available, which typically address the underlying buffer handling issues in the device's network processing components. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface, including restricting access to port 37215 to only trusted administrative systems. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous packet patterns on port 37215 can provide early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify all affected devices and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented. The use of network access control lists and firewall rules to block unauthorized access to the affected port can serve as an additional defensive layer. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations are effective and to identify any potential new attack vectors that may emerge from similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.