CVE-2019-7269 in Linear eMerge 50P
Summary
by MITRE
Linear eMerge 50P/5000P devices allow Authenticated Command Injection with root Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The CVE-2019-7269 vulnerability affects Linear eMerge 50P and 5000P network security devices, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. This vulnerability resides within the device's web interface and command processing mechanisms, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject malicious commands through specifically crafted parameters. The flaw stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied data in the device's administrative interface, creating a command injection vector that can be exploited by authenticated users with minimal privileges. The vulnerability impacts devices running firmware versions prior to the security patch released by Linear, affecting organizations that rely on these devices for network access control and security management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89, where user-controllable data flows directly into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting specially crafted payloads through the device's web administration interface, which then gets processed and executed with the highest available privileges. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, typically through credential reuse, phishing attacks, or other initial compromise techniques, before being able to leverage this vulnerability for privilege escalation. The root code execution capability provides attackers with complete system control, enabling them to modify device configurations, extract sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further network infiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7269 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as these devices typically serve as critical network security infrastructure components that control access to corporate networks. When compromised, attackers can manipulate firewall rules, disable security features, or redirect network traffic to facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the device's configuration remains compromised until firmware is updated. Organizations using these devices may experience unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or disruption of security services that protect their network perimeters. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices often operate in sensitive network environments where they control access to critical systems and resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7269 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linear to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must also implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation and ensure that administrative interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing strong authentication controls, monitoring for unusual administrative activities, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework aligns with techniques such as privilege escalation and command and control operations, highlighting the need for comprehensive security monitoring. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious command injection attempts, while establishing robust change management processes to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected devices.