CVE-2019-11319 in CX2
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Motorola CX2 1.01 and M2 1.01. There is a command injection in the function downloadFirmware in hnap, which leads to remote code execution via shell metacharacters in a JSON value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11319 affects Motorola CX2 1.01 and M2 1.01 devices, representing a critical command injection flaw within the HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol) implementation. This vulnerability resides in the downloadFirmware function where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters through JSON values, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the firmware download process, which operates over HTTP protocols and utilizes HNAP for device management.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a command injection pattern classified under CWE-77, where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into shell commands without proper escaping or sanitization. When the downloadFirmware function processes JSON data containing malicious shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell, enabling arbitrary command execution on the affected device. The vulnerability exists because the system fails to properly validate or escape special characters in the JSON payload, allowing attackers to inject commands that bypass normal input validation mechanisms.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Motorola devices without requiring authentication. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that HNAP is designed for administrative access and typically operates on port 80 or 443, making it accessible from external networks. Successful exploitation could result in complete device compromise, allowing attackers to install malicious firmware, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also poses risks to network integrity as compromised devices could be used for distributed denial-of-service attacks or to serve as command and control nodes.
The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide infiltration, especially in environments where multiple Motorola devices are deployed. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices, disabling unnecessary HNAP services, and applying firmware updates from Motorola. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious HNAP requests and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in network device management protocols, particularly when handling user-supplied data in administrative functions.