CVE-2017-20236 in ICX35-HWC Cellular Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2026
ProSoft Technology ICX35-HWC versions 1.3 and prior cellular gateways contain an input validation vulnerability in the web user interface that allows remote attackers to inject and execute system commands by submitting malicious input through unvalidated fields. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain root privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the device through the accessible web interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
The CVE-2017-20236 vulnerability affects ProSoft Technology ICX35-HWC cellular gateways running firmware versions 1.3 and earlier, representing a critical input validation flaw that exposes these network devices to remote command execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface component of the device, making it accessible through standard web browser interactions without requiring physical access or specialized authentication credentials. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs submitted through web forms and interface fields, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject harmful code that gets executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to escalate from regular user access to root privileges, effectively granting complete control over the affected device. The attack vector is straightforward and exploitable over the network, requiring only a web browser and access to the device's web interface to deliver the malicious payload.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and CWE-94, which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The weakness manifests as a classic command injection vulnerability where unvalidated user input is directly passed to system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The web interface likely processes form submissions and parameter inputs without adequate validation, allowing attackers to append malicious commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include complete system compromise, as the executed commands run with the highest privileges available on the device, typically root or administrator level access. This allows attackers to modify system configurations, install malware, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on these cellular gateways for network connectivity and security operations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the gateway device, potentially disrupting network communications, compromising data transmission, or using the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The affected devices serve as critical infrastructure components for remote network access, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to corporate networks. Organizations may experience service disruptions, data breaches, or unauthorized network access that could lead to significant financial and operational consequences. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical proximity or insider knowledge, increasing the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of traditional perimeter security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-20236 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ProSoft Technology to address the input validation deficiencies in the web interface. Organizations must ensure that all affected devices are updated to firmware versions that properly validate and sanitize user inputs before processing them. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices to only authorized personnel, while additional access controls such as multi-factor authentication should be enforced. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other network infrastructure components. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing device compromise scenarios, ensuring rapid identification and containment of potential breaches. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms will aid in detecting exploitation attempts and maintaining forensic readiness for security investigations.