CVE-2019-15065 in GPON
Summary
by MITRE
A service which is hosted on port 6998 in HiNet GPON firmware < I040GWR190731 allows an attacker to execute a specific command to read arbitrary files. CVSS 3.0 Base score 9.3. CVSS vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15065 represents a critical security flaw in HiNet GPON firmware versions prior to I040GWR190731, where a service operating on port 6998 exposes an insecure command execution mechanism that enables remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the affected system. This vulnerability resides within the network infrastructure equipment commonly deployed in residential and small business environments, making it particularly concerning for widespread exploitation. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 9.3 indicates a high-severity issue with network accessibility, low attack complexity, and no authentication requirements, while the scope being considered as changed reflects that the vulnerability can potentially affect the entire system rather than being confined to a single component.
The technical flaw manifests through an improperly validated command execution interface that allows remote attackers to submit specific commands to the service running on port 6998, which then processes these commands without adequate input sanitization or access controls. This insecure direct object reference vulnerability enables attackers to traverse the file system and access sensitive files that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The service likely accepts user input through network protocols such as HTTP or TCP, and due to inadequate validation, attackers can manipulate input parameters to access files outside of intended directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, system logs, and potentially other critical data that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network. The affected GPON infrastructure serves as a gateway for internet connectivity in many households and small businesses, meaning that successful exploitation could compromise not only the device itself but also potentially the entire local network segment. This vulnerability represents a significant risk for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct reconnaissance activities, as the information gathered could reveal network topology, device configurations, and other sensitive operational details. The low attack complexity and lack of authentication requirements mean that this vulnerability can be exploited by virtually any remote attacker without specialized tools or knowledge of the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15065 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to the latest available versions that contain patches addressing the insecure command execution mechanism. Network administrators should also implement firewall rules to block access to port 6998 from untrusted networks, effectively preventing remote exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to isolate affected devices, regular security audits of network infrastructure, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network services, particularly those exposed to external networks. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks should include requirements for secure network service design and proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file access and command execution.