CVE-2019-17096 in BOX 2
Summary
by MITRE
A OS Command Injection vulnerability in the bootstrap stage of Bitdefender BOX 2 allows the manipulation of the `get_image_url()` function in special circumstances to inject a system command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
The CVE-2019-17096 vulnerability represents a critical operating system command injection flaw discovered in the Bitdefender BOX 2 security appliance during its bootstrap initialization phase. This vulnerability specifically targets the `get_image_url()` function which is responsible for retrieving and processing image URLs during the device's startup sequence. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the bootstrap stage, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs when the device processes user-supplied input through the vulnerable function, allowing an attacker to manipulate the command execution flow. This particular weakness is classified under CWE-77 as it involves the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input handling. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the bootstrap phase, which is a critical initialization period where the system is establishing its core functionality and security parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection pattern where untrusted input flows directly into system command execution contexts. During the bootstrap process, when the Bitdefender BOX 2 attempts to fetch and process image URLs, the `get_image_url()` function fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters. This allows an attacker to inject malicious command sequences that get executed with the privileges of the system process handling the bootstrap operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a low system level during device initialization, potentially providing attackers with early access to the system before full security controls are established. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-17096 extends beyond simple command execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the device's security posture during its most vulnerable phase. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to manipulate the device's core functionality before the security mechanisms are fully operational, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and persistent access. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation involves executing system commands through the affected function. The bootstrap phase manipulation also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1484.001 for Kerberos delegation, as the compromised system may be used to establish unauthorized access to other network resources. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure operations and can result in complete system takeover, making it a high-severity threat for organizations relying on Bitdefender BOX 2 for network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17096 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches and firmware updates that address the input validation deficiencies in the bootstrap stage. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The security architecture should include input validation controls at multiple layers, particularly focusing on the bootstrap and initialization phases where this vulnerability operates. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation during system initialization can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include validation of bootstrap phase security controls to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other system components. The remediation process should also involve network monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and implementation of intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.