CVE-2019-17499 in CH7465LG
Summary
by MITRE
The setter.xml component of the Common Gateway Interface on Compal CH7465LG 6.12.18.25-2p4 devices does not properly validate ping command arguments, which allows remote authenticated users to execute OS commands as root via shell metacharacters in the Target_IP parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17499 affects the Compal CH7465LG 6.12.18.25-2p4 router firmware where the setter.xml component within the Common Gateway Interface fails to properly validate ping command arguments. This flaw exists in the web-based administration interface that handles network diagnostic functions, specifically the ping utility implementation. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with root privileges. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization within the Target_IP parameter processing, which directly influences how the ping command is constructed and executed on the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Target_IP parameter in the setter.xml component. When an authenticated user submits a malicious value containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are not properly escaped or filtered before being passed to the system's ping command execution. This allows attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, which runs with root-level permissions on the device. The vulnerability follows the CWE-77 principle of command injection where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into command execution without proper validation or sanitization. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network devices as it provides attackers with full administrative control over the device's operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-17499 is severe and multifaceted for affected Compal CH7465LG devices. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete device compromise, data exfiltration, and use of the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's network security posture by enabling unauthorized command execution, which can result in persistent backdoors, network traffic manipulation, or denial of service conditions. Additionally, the authentication requirement does not provide adequate protection as the attack can be executed by any authenticated user who has access to the web interface, which may include family members, employees, or other authorized personnel with administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17499 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade the firmware to a version that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before they are passed to system commands. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface and reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the device's web interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the area of command injection prevention. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems and regularly conducting vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other network devices and applications within their infrastructure.