CVE-2018-5553 in Console
Summary
by MITRE
The Crestron Console service running on DGE-100, DM-DGE-200-C, and TS-1542-C devices with default configuration and running firmware versions 1.3384.00049.001 and lower are vulnerable to command injection that can be used to gain root-level access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5553 affects Crestron networked devices including the DGE-100, DM-DGE-200-C, and TS-1542-C models. These devices operate with the Crestron Console service which provides remote management capabilities for system configuration and monitoring. The flaw manifests in the default configuration settings where the service fails to properly sanitize user input before processing commands, creating a critical security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 principle of command injection, where untrusted data is directly incorporated into command execution contexts without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Console service's command processing pipeline. When legitimate users or attackers submit commands through the console interface, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could alter the intended command execution flow. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that execute with the highest privilege level available to the service, which in these vulnerable configurations runs as root or equivalent administrative account. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability exists in default configurations, meaning that devices deployed in their standard setup are immediately susceptible to exploitation without any additional configuration changes.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5553 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains root-level access through command injection, they can execute arbitrary code, modify system files, install persistent backdoors, and escalate privileges to gain control over the entire device and potentially the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects firmware versions 1.3384.00049.00049.001 and lower, representing a significant portion of deployed devices that remain at risk due to the default configuration settings that enable the vulnerable service without proper security hardening. This creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on Crestron devices for critical infrastructure management, particularly in environments where these devices control building automation systems, security systems, or other mission-critical operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5553 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for managing Crestron devices. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to firmware versions that contain patches addressing the command injection vulnerability, which typically include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and apply firewall rules that restrict access to the Console service ports to only authorized administrative workstations. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for defensive security operations. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to ensure that devices remain patched and configured according to security best practices, particularly focusing on default configurations that often present the greatest risk surface for exploitation.