CVE-2019-14259 in Obihai Obi1022
Summary
by MITRE
On the Polycom Obihai Obi1022 VoIP phone with firmware 5.1.11, a command injection (missing input validation) issue in the NTP server IP address field for the "Time Service Settings web" interface allows an authenticated remote attacker in the same network to trigger OS commands via shell commands in a POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14259 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Polycom Obihai Obi1022 VoIP phone firmware version 5.1.11. This security weakness resides in the Time Service Settings web interface where the NTP server IP address field lacks proper input validation mechanisms. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers within the same network segment to execute arbitrary operating system commands through carefully crafted POST requests that include shell command injection payloads. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing malicious data to be interpreted and executed as shell commands by the underlying operating system.
This command injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the device's web-based management interface. The attacker must first authenticate to the device, typically through valid credentials for the web management interface, before exploiting the vulnerability. Once authenticated, the attacker can manipulate the NTP server IP address field to include shell metacharacters and commands that will be executed with the privileges of the web server process. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal network proximity and leverages legitimate administrative functionality to achieve unauthorized system compromise. This weakness aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically addressing improper input validation and code injection vulnerabilities that enable arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's operating system. An attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive configuration data, modify network settings, install malicious software, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The compromised device may also serve as a platform for launching reconnaissance activities or as a command and control node in larger attack campaigns. Given that VoIP devices often operate in critical network infrastructure environments, the compromise of such devices can lead to significant business disruption, unauthorized access to communication channels, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the device's security posture by undermining the principle of least privilege and exposing the underlying system to unauthorized manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14259 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Polycom to address the input validation deficiencies. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit unauthorized access to the device's management interface, including restricting access to trusted network segments only. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls at the network perimeter can provide additional layers of protection against command injection attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in network traffic that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and reinforces the need for secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly those with network management interfaces. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, highlighting the potential for lateral movement and system compromise through this initial access vector.