CVE-2018-15477 in WiFi Switch V1
Summary
by MITRE
myStrom WiFi Switch V1 devices before 2.66 did not sanitize a parameter received from the cloud that was used in an OS command. Malicious servers were able to run operating system commands on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15477 affects myStrom WiFi Switch V1 devices running firmware versions prior to 2.66, representing a critical command injection flaw that exposes these IoT devices to remote exploitation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the device's firmware, specifically in how it processes parameters received from the cloud service. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary operating system commands through improperly validated inputs, creating a severe security risk for connected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems. The device's firmware fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied parameters that are subsequently used in OS command execution contexts, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be directly interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where the device acts as an unwitting proxy for malicious command execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited by attackers without requiring physical access to the device. The impact extends beyond simple command execution, as it allows for complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks where these devices are deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised device as a launch point for attacking other networked systems. The cloud-based nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit this flaw from anywhere with internet access, making it particularly dangerous for IoT deployments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through legitimate interfaces. Organizations using myStrom WiFi switches should immediately implement firmware updates to version 2.66 or later, which address the input sanitization issues. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual command execution patterns can serve as interim mitigation strategies while updates are deployed. Additionally, implementing network access controls to restrict cloud communication for these devices can reduce the attack surface, though the most effective solution remains the mandatory firmware upgrade to resolve the underlying command injection vulnerability.