CVE-2019-17364 in PF-103
Summary
by MITRE
The processCommandUploadLog() function of libcommon.so in Petwant PF-103 firmware 4.22.2.42 and Petalk AI 3.2.2.30 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as the root user.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17364 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Petwant PF-103 firmware version 4.22.2.42 and Petalk AI firmware version 3.2.2.30. This vulnerability exists within the processCommandUploadLog() function of the libcommon.so library, which serves as a core component in the device's firmware architecture. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with root privileges, fundamentally compromising the device's security posture and potentially allowing full system takeover. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in IoT devices as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying operating system and all its resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the processCommandUploadLog() function. When the system receives log upload commands, it fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before processing it as system commands. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted and executed by the system shell. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers send specially crafted log upload requests that contain malicious command sequences, which are then executed with the highest privileges available to the application. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, specifically addressing command injection vulnerabilities that occur when untrusted data is passed to system execution functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected devices. Once exploited, attackers can modify device configurations, install malicious software, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network. The root privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers gain unrestricted access to all system resources, files, and processes, effectively rendering the device useless from a security perspective. This vulnerability particularly affects IoT devices deployed in home and enterprise environments where they may serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be implemented at multiple levels to ensure comprehensive protection. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on applying firmware updates from the vendor that address the command injection flaw through proper input validation and sanitization techniques. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to affected devices, particularly limiting remote administrative access to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous log upload patterns or unusual command execution activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability assessment of all similar devices within the network to identify potential exposure to related vulnerabilities and ensure that proper access controls and authentication mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized access to device management interfaces.