CVE-2018-18852 in DT-300N
Summary
by MITRE
Cerio DT-300N 1.1.6 through 1.1.12 devices allow OS command injection because of improper input validation of the web-interface PING feature's use of Save.cgi to execute a ping command, as exploited in the wild in October 2018.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The Cerio DT-300N series of network devices, specifically versions 1.1.6 through 1.1.12, contain a critical operating system command injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the web interface's PING functionality, which utilizes the Save.cgi script to execute ping commands without proper input sanitization. The flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows malicious actors to append arbitrary commands to the ping utility execution, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability was actively exploited in October 2018, demonstrating its real-world impact and the immediate need for remediation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector leverages the web interface's trust in user-provided input, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute malicious payloads directly on the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Save.cgi script that handles the PING feature's parameters. When users enter data into the ping interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before passing it to the system's ping command execution. This lack of input validation creates a direct execution path where attackers can inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or other command separators that allow them to chain additional commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the operating system level, providing attackers with root-level access to the device's command execution environment. The exploitation requires no authentication for the initial attack, making it a significant risk for devices accessible over the network. This attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreters, specifically targeting the execution of commands through the operating system shell.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected network device. Once exploited, attackers can modify device configurations, access sensitive network data, redirect traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The affected Cerio DT-300N devices typically serve as network monitoring or security appliances, making their compromise particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, and potential network disruption. Organizations with multiple affected devices face a cascading risk where a single compromised device can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that devices exposed to the internet are immediately at risk, creating a significant threat surface that can be leveraged by automated attack tools. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization in web applications that interface with system-level commands, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and defense-in-depth strategies.
Mitigation efforts for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as the manufacturer likely released patches addressing the input validation issues in the Save.cgi script. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, particularly ensuring that management interfaces are not directly accessible from the internet. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual ping traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include verification of device firmware versions and confirmation of proper input validation implementations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure development practices and the necessity of validating all user inputs before processing them in system commands. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious input patterns and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities in other network devices and applications. Organizations should also maintain updated inventories of all network-connected devices to ensure comprehensive coverage of security patches and updates across their infrastructure.