CVE-2017-2866 in Circle with Disney
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable vulnerability exists in the /api/CONFIG/backup functionality of Circle with Disney. Specially crafted network packets can cause an OS command injection. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2866 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Circle with Disney network security appliance. This vulnerability specifically targets the /api/CONFIG/backup endpoint, which serves as a configuration backup interface for the device. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands through carefully crafted HTTP requests, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the backup functionality, creating a direct pathway for malicious command execution. Security researchers have classified this issue as particularly dangerous due to its ability to provide full system compromise through a single vulnerable API endpoint. The attack vector requires only a standard HTTP request to be sent to the specific backup endpoint, making exploitation relatively straightforward for threat actors with basic network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The Circle with Disney device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed to system commands during the backup process, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the affected service. This command injection occurs because the application directly incorporates user-provided parameters into system calls without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in the API implementation where configuration data is processed and stored, creating a persistent attack surface that can be exploited repeatedly. Network traffic analysis reveals that the attack requires minimal complexity to execute, as the malicious payload can be embedded within standard HTTP parameters or headers.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2866 extends beyond simple system compromise to encompass complete network infrastructure takeover. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain root-level access to the device, allowing them to modify network configurations, extract sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The compromised device can then serve as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network segment. Organizations using Circle with Disney appliances face significant risk of unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical network services. The vulnerability's accessibility through the public API interface means that attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring physical access or advanced technical skills. This makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose their network security appliances directly to external networks without proper segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2866 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software versions and implementation of network segmentation controls. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided security updates as soon as they become available, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter requests to the vulnerable API endpoints, particularly those related to configuration backup functionality. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the system to execute commands directly. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege controls and restricting external access to administrative APIs can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network security appliances within the organization's infrastructure.