CVE-2018-15722 in Harmony Hub
Summary
by MITRE
The Logitech Harmony Hub before version 4.15.206 is vulnerable to OS command injection via the time update request. A remote server or man in the middle can inject OS commands with a properly formatted response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2020
The Logitech Harmony Hub represents a central hub device for home automation systems that allows users to control multiple electronic devices through a single interface. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.15.206 and stems from improper input validation within the time update request processing functionality. The flaw exists in how the device handles time synchronization responses from remote servers, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device, making it a significant security risk for home networks and IoT ecosystems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Harmony Hub's failure to properly sanitize or validate input received during time update requests. When the device receives a response containing time information from a remote server, it processes this data without adequate validation checks that would normally prevent command injection attacks. An attacker positioned as a man-in-the-middle or controlling a malicious server can craft a specially formatted time update response that includes OS command injection payloads. This occurs because the device's processing logic treats the received time data as executable content rather than simple informational data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and specifically maps to CWE-78 which addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it allows attackers to gain full control over the Harmony Hub device. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially gaining access to network resources, modifying device configurations, or even using the device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the home network. The Harmony Hub typically operates with elevated privileges within home networks, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access. This vulnerability also has implications for the broader IoT ecosystem, as compromised home automation hubs can serve as entry points for more extensive network breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 4.15.206 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the time update processing functionality. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromise, and monitor network traffic for suspicious time update requests. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in IoT devices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting how command injection vulnerabilities can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistence within home networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous time synchronization behaviors and potential command injection attempts, as these may indicate exploitation attempts.