CVE-2019-25289 in SmartLiving SmartLAN
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2026
SmartLiving SmartLAN <=6.x contains an authenticated remote command injection vulnerability in the web.cgi binary through the 'par' POST parameter with the 'testemail' module. Attackers can exploit the unsanitized parameter and system() function call to execute arbitrary system commands with root privileges using default credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2026
The SmartLiving SmartLAN device series version 6.x represents a network infrastructure product that incorporates web-based management capabilities through a cgi binary interface. This particular vulnerability exists within the web.cgi binary implementation where the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters before processing them through system() function calls. The specific attack vector involves the 'testemail' module which accepts a 'par' POST parameter that is not adequately validated or escaped before being passed to the system command execution layer. This authentication requirement creates a significant security gap as default credentials are typically well-known and easily discoverable within public repositories or through basic network reconnaissance activities.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands directly into the system command execution pipeline. When the system() function processes the unsanitized 'par' parameter, it interprets the injected commands as legitimate system instructions rather than malicious input. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in system commands, and CWE-88 which addresses improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The exploitation process leverages the default authentication credentials to establish a valid session, after which the attacker can submit a malicious payload through the testemail module interface. The system executes these commands with root privileges due to the elevated permissions associated with the web management interface, creating a complete system compromise scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected device. With root privileges, attackers can modify system configurations, install backdoors, access sensitive network information, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The default credential weakness significantly amplifies the risk as organizations often fail to change these defaults in production environments, creating a large attack surface for automated exploitation tools. Network security monitoring may not immediately detect malicious activity as the commands execute through legitimate system interfaces, making detection more challenging. This vulnerability also creates potential for lateral movement within networks where these devices are deployed, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate credential management through mandatory password changes for all default accounts and implementation of strong authentication policies. Network segmentation and access control measures should be deployed to limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only. Regular firmware updates and security patches should be implemented as soon as vendor releases are available, though in this case the vulnerability appears to be a persistent flaw requiring immediate attention. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns and parameter injection attempts through the web management interfaces. The implementation of input validation and sanitization controls at the application layer can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future versions. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of changing default credentials and maintaining up-to-date security configurations. Additionally, the ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, highlighting the exploitation techniques and attack paths that adversaries would utilize to leverage such a privilege escalation vector.