CVE-2017-9133 in Client Radios
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Mimosa Client Radios before 2.2.3 and Mimosa Backhaul Radios before 2.2.3. In the device's web interface, after logging in, there is a page that allows you to ping other hosts from the device and view the results. The user is allowed to specify which host to ping, but this variable is not sanitized server-side, which allows an attacker to pass a specially crafted string to execute shell commands as the root user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2017-9133 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting Mimosa Client Radios and Mimosa Backhaul Radios devices running firmware versions prior to 2.2.3. This security weakness exists within the web interface's ping functionality, where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed by the underlying system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to manipulate the ping command execution mechanism. When users attempt to ping remote hosts through the web interface, the system accepts user-supplied hostnames without proper sanitization, creating an opportunity for arbitrary command execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, and represents a classic example of a command injection vulnerability. The security implications are severe as the vulnerability allows attackers to execute commands with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire device and potentially the network it connects to. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only a simple web interface login to establish a foothold, making it accessible to attackers who may have obtained credentials through other means or through social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected devices. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary shell commands as the root user, allowing them to modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security is not adequately enforced. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a launching point for broader network infiltration attempts. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of network infrastructure devices, as it allows attackers to bypass traditional authentication mechanisms and gain direct system-level access. The affected devices are commonly used in wireless networking deployments, which means that successful exploitation could lead to widespread network disruption or unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9133 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 2.2.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the web interface. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual ping activity or command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious input patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough network scanning to identify all affected devices and ensure complete patch deployment across all installations. Additionally, administrators should review and harden device configurations to disable unnecessary services and reduce the attack surface. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security monitoring practices. The incident should trigger a comprehensive review of security practices for network infrastructure devices, including regular vulnerability assessments, patch management procedures, and security configuration baselines. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for personnel who may have access to these devices to prevent social engineering attacks that could lead to credential compromise and subsequent exploitation of this vulnerability.