CVE-2017-5261 in cnPilot
Summary
by MITRE
In versions 4.3.2-R4 and prior of Cambium Networks cnPilot firmware, the 'ping' and 'traceroute' functions of the web administrative console expose a file path traversal vulnerability, accessible to all authenticated users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5261 affects Cambium Networks cnPilot firmware versions 4.3.2-R4 and earlier, representing a critical path traversal flaw within the web administrative console. This issue specifically targets the ping and traceroute functionality, which are commonly used network diagnostic tools accessible through the device's web interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within these diagnostic functions, allowing authenticated users to manipulate file paths through crafted parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness to traverse the file system and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through normal administrative operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters in the ping and traceroute commands, where the firmware fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system operations. This allows an authenticated attacker to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and traverse directories beyond the intended scope of these diagnostic utilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, Path Traversal, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where user-controllable input can be used to access files or directories outside of the intended scope. The impact is particularly concerning as it affects all authenticated users, meaning that any individual with legitimate administrative credentials could potentially exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and system integrity. An attacker who gains access to the administrative console through legitimate credentials could leverage this path traversal vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as configuration files, system logs, or even credentials stored within the device's file system. The exposure of such information could lead to further exploitation opportunities, including privilege escalation attacks or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially execute arbitrary commands through the compromised diagnostic functions. Additionally, this vulnerability could facilitate information gathering and reconnaissance activities, as attackers could systematically traverse the file system to identify system components and potential attack vectors.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-5261 involves immediate firmware updates from Cambium Networks to address the path traversal vulnerability in the affected cnPilot devices. Organizations should prioritize updating all impacted devices to the latest firmware versions that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures for the ping and traceroute functions. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting administrative access to only trusted networks, enabling multi-factor authentication where possible, and monitoring for unusual administrative activity or failed access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in network device firmware, particularly for functions that interact with the file system or execute system commands. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if one device is compromised, the attacker's access remains restricted to prevent broader network penetration.