CVE-2019-19509 in rConfig
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in rConfig 3.9.3. A remote authenticated user can directly execute system commands by sending a GET request to ajaxArchiveFiles.php because the path parameter is passed to the exec function without filtering, which can lead to command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19509 represents a critical command injection flaw within rConfig version 3.9.3, a network configuration management tool widely used for automating network device configurations and backups. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data. The flaw specifically manifests in the ajaxArchiveFiles.php component where user-provided path parameters are directly concatenated into system commands without proper filtering or escaping, creating a dangerous attack vector for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, which classify it as a command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system command execution contexts. When an authenticated user sends a specially crafted GET request to the ajaxArchiveFiles.php endpoint, the application fails to sanitize the path parameter before passing it to the exec function. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web application user, typically running with elevated permissions on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication, making it accessible to users with legitimate access credentials who may have broader system privileges than intended.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant security risks including unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects a configuration management tool, which often has access to sensitive network device configurations and credentials, making the potential damage exponentially greater than typical web application vulnerabilities. Network administrators and security teams must consider that compromised rConfig instances could provide attackers with access to critical network infrastructure configuration data.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-19509 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it requires legitimate authentication to execute but allows for privilege escalation and system compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those destined for system command execution. The recommended defensive measures include implementing proper parameter validation, using whitelisting approaches for path parameters, and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary privileges. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and patch management, as this issue was resolved in subsequent versions of rConfig through proper input sanitization and command execution handling procedures that align with secure coding practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.