CVE-2019-16662 in rConfig
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in rConfig 3.9.2. An attacker can directly execute system commands by sending a GET request to ajaxServerSettingsChk.php because the rootUname parameter is passed to the exec function without filtering, which can lead to command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16662 resides within rConfig version 3.9.2, a network configuration management tool designed to automate and streamline network device configuration tasks. This critical security flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that undermines the fundamental security principles of input validation and sanitization. The vulnerability specifically affects the ajaxServerSettingsChk.php endpoint, which serves as an interface for checking server configuration settings. The flaw emerges from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution that could compromise the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the direct passage of the rootUname parameter to the exec function without any form of input filtering or sanitization. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web application user. When a GET request is sent to the vulnerable endpoint containing a crafted rootUname parameter, the application processes this input directly through the exec function, bypassing all security controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, which categorize command injection flaws and improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, respectively. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK technique T1059.001, Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries execute commands through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with complete system control capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary system commands, potentially gaining root access to the underlying operating system. This level of access enables further lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in network configuration management environments where the application typically runs with elevated privileges to perform administrative tasks. The attack surface is broad as this vulnerability affects any system running rConfig 3.9.2 and accessible through the web interface, making it an attractive target for both automated scanning tools and targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-16662 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, specifically ensuring that the rootUname parameter undergoes strict filtering before any system interactions occur. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a non-vulnerable version of rConfig as soon as possible. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and using parameterized commands instead of direct exec function calls would prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the attack surface, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious GET requests containing command injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices, particularly around input validation, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.