CVE-2019-6288 in ECS2020
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2021
Edgecore ECS2020 Firmware 1.0.0.0 devices allow Unauthenticated Command Injection via the command1 HTTP header to the /EXCU_SHELL URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6288 affects Edgecore ECS2020 network devices running firmware version 1.0.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated command injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web interface handling of HTTP requests, specifically targeting the /EXCU_SHELL URI endpoint where the command1 HTTP header is processed without proper input validation or authentication checks. The flaw allows any remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the web application layer. When the command1 HTTP header is received by the device's web server, the firmware fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into system commands. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89, where user-controllable data is directly executed as shell commands. The absence of authentication requirements for the /EXCU_SHELL URI means that any attacker with network access can exploit this flaw without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the device's operating system and potentially access sensitive data or network resources. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system configurations, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need to have any prior knowledge of valid credentials, significantly increasing the attack surface and making the vulnerability particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6288 should include immediate firmware updates from Edgecore to address the command injection flaw, along with network segmentation to limit access to affected devices. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for HTTP headers, and establish network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper authentication mechanisms, as the lack of both authentication and input validation created a path for arbitrary code execution. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious HTTP headers targeting similar vulnerabilities, while conducting regular security assessments to identify other potential command injection flaws in network infrastructure devices.