CVE-2017-6315 in Security Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Astaro Security Gateway (aka ASG) 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to index.plx.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6315 affects Astaro Security Gateway version 7, a network security appliance designed to provide firewall, intrusion prevention, and other security services. This critical flaw resides in the web-based management interface of the appliance, specifically within the index.plx script that handles incoming HTTP requests. The vulnerability represents a classic remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by unauthorized attackers without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for network security devices that are typically accessible from external networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the index.plx script, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. When a malicious actor crafts a specially designed HTTP request containing malicious payload data, the appliance's web server processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6315 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected security appliance. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can manipulate firewall rules, disable security features, install backdoors, or use the compromised appliance as a pivot point to attack internal network resources. This creates a significant threat to network security posture since security appliances are designed to protect networks, not serve as attack vectors. The vulnerability also enables potential data exfiltration, system modification, and denial of service conditions that can severely compromise organizational security infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for executed commands and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as the exploitation typically involves crafting malicious web requests.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, restricting external access to the appliance's management interface, and implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement. Network administrators should also deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable index.plx endpoint, and conduct thorough security assessments of other web applications within the appliance's interface. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against similar injection attacks targeting web-based management interfaces.