CVE-2017-6079 in Edgemarc
Summary
by MITRE
The HTTP web-management application on Edgewater Networks Edgemarc appliances has a hidden page that allows for user-defined commands such as specific iptables routes, etc., to be set. You can use this page as a web shell essentially to execute commands, though you get no feedback client-side from the web application: if the command is valid, it executes. An example is the wget command. The page that allows this has been confirmed in firmware as old as 2006.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6079 represents a critical security flaw in Edgewater Networks Edgemarc appliances that stems from the improper implementation of access controls within the HTTP web-management application. This issue manifests as the presence of a hidden administrative interface that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability exists in the web management interface's design, where specific URL paths are not properly secured, creating a backdoor that has remained functional across multiple firmware versions since at least 2006. This persistent nature indicates a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture that was never properly addressed through firmware updates or security patches. The presence of this hidden page demonstrates poor security-by-design principles and highlights the dangers of including debug or administrative interfaces in production systems without proper access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific web interface that accepts user-defined commands, effectively functioning as a web shell for remote code execution. When an attacker accesses the hidden page, they can submit commands such as iptables routing rules and other system-level operations through the web interface. The system processes these commands without providing client-side feedback, meaning that successful execution is only indicated by the command's completion rather than explicit confirmation. This behavior creates a unique operational characteristic where attackers can determine command success through indirect means such as network connectivity changes, routing modifications, or other observable system behaviors. The vulnerability specifically allows execution of commands like wget, which indicates that the system's command processing capabilities extend beyond simple routing configurations to include full system command execution. This represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that transforms a standard network appliance into a potential command and control node for attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for network security and infrastructure integrity. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain complete control over the affected Edgemarc appliances, enabling them to modify firewall rules, redirect network traffic, and potentially use the devices as stepping stones for further attacks within the network. The lack of feedback from the web application creates a stealthy attack vector where malicious activities can occur without immediate detection, as there are no explicit logs or confirmation messages indicating that commands have been executed. This vulnerability affects network security appliances that are typically deployed at critical points in network infrastructure, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise network communications. The long persistence of this vulnerability across multiple firmware versions suggests that organizations may be running vulnerable systems for extended periods without awareness, creating ongoing exposure risks. The vulnerability's presence in appliances that have been in production since 2006 indicates that these devices may be operating with outdated security measures and potentially lack proper network segmentation or monitoring controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6079 should focus on immediate network isolation and access control measures, as the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise without authentication. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected appliances from critical network segments and restrict access to the web management interfaces through firewall rules and access control lists. The most effective long-term solution involves updating firmware to versions that properly secure the web management interface and remove the hidden administrative pages. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to management interfaces. Security teams should also implement proper network access controls through the use of dedicated management networks and multi-factor authentication for administrative access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference that allows unauthorized access to administrative functions. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute commands and escalate privileges through the web interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, as well as the critical need for regular security assessments and firmware updates to address known vulnerabilities.