CVE-2017-6048 in SenNet Optimal DataLogger
Summary
by MITRE
A Command Injection issue was discovered in Satel Iberia SenNet Data Logger and Electricity Meters: SenNet Optimal DataLogger V5.37c-1.43c and prior, SenNet Solar Datalogger V5.03-1.56a and prior, and SenNet Multitask Meter V5.21a-1.18b and prior. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in the attacker breaking out of the jailed shell and gaining full access to the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6048 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting Satel Iberia's SenNet series of data loggers and electricity meters. This security weakness exists within multiple product variants including the Optimal DataLogger, Solar Datalogger, and Multitask Meter models, with affected versions ranging from V5.37c-1.43c through V5.21a-1.18b. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before executing system commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands into the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper handling of command execution flows within the embedded systems. When the affected devices process user inputs intended for legitimate operational parameters, the system fails to distinguish between valid command parameters and malicious payload data. This failure allows attackers to append additional commands that bypass normal execution boundaries, effectively breaking out of the restricted shell environment that should contain all system interactions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, categorizing it as a command injection vulnerability that exploits improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability provides attackers with complete system compromise, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected system. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as attackers can manipulate meter readings, modify system configurations, and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability particularly concerns industrial control systems and smart grid environments where these devices operate, as it could lead to data integrity compromise, service disruption, or even physical security risks. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices often operate in networked environments with minimal security controls, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Satel Iberia to address the root cause of the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The remediation strategy should also include input validation hardening, implementing proper command escaping mechanisms, and establishing secure coding practices for future development. Organizations utilizing these devices should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation paths, while maintaining detailed system baselines to detect unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and underscores the need for robust input validation mechanisms in all system components that interface with user-supplied data.