CVE-2017-9383 in VeraEdge
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Vera VeraEdge 1.7.19 and Veralite 1.7.481 devices. The device provides UPnP services that are available on port 3480 and can also be accessed via port 80 using the url "/port_3480". It seems that the UPnP services provide "wget" as one of the service actions for a normal user to connect the device to an external website. It retrieves the parameter "URL" from the query string and then passes it to an internal function that uses the curl module on the device to retrieve the contents of the website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2017-9383 affects VeraEdge 1.7.19 and Veralite 1.7.481 devices, representing a critical security flaw in home automation and smart home ecosystems. These devices operate as UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) services on port 3480, with additional accessibility through port 80 via the specific URL path "/port_3480". The UPnP services expose a wget functionality that allows users to connect the device to external websites, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit for unauthorized access and command execution.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's handling of user-supplied parameters within the UPnP service implementation. When a user invokes the wget service action, the device extracts the "URL" parameter from the query string and passes it to an internal function that utilizes the curl module for web content retrieval. This design pattern creates a command injection vulnerability because the device does not properly sanitize or validate the URL parameter before processing it through the curl module. The lack of input validation allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the UPnP service process, potentially leading to complete device compromise.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, which specifically address command injection flaws in software systems. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected devices. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to home networks, potentially using the compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in smart home environments where these devices often serve as central control points for security systems, lighting, and other critical infrastructure components.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and accessible, requiring only basic knowledge of web services and UPnP protocols. An attacker can craft malicious URLs that contain shell commands, which get executed when the device processes the wget service request. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a command and scripting interpreter technique, specifically targeting remote code execution capabilities. Organizations and individuals using these Vera devices should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems, disable unnecessary UPnP services where possible, and apply any available vendor patches. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly on ports 3480 and 80 where the vulnerability is exposed.