CVE-2019-7485 in SMA100
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in SonicWall SMA100 allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary code in DEARegister CGI script. This vulnerability impacted SMA100 version 9.0.0.3 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2024
The CVE-2019-7485 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the SonicWall SMA100 series secure access appliances that affects firmware versions 9.0.0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the DEARegister CGI script, which serves as a component within the appliance's web interface for managing device enrollment and registration processes. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the script's handling of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the DEARegister CGI script where user-controllable input parameters are directly processed without adequate sanitization or size verification. When an authenticated user submits maliciously crafted input to the vulnerable endpoint, the script fails to properly validate the input length against allocated buffer space, resulting in a classic buffer overflow condition. This overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow information, enabling them to redirect execution to malicious code payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant weakness in the appliance's input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the network infrastructure. Once exploited, the authenticated code execution allows adversaries to manipulate the appliance's core functionality, potentially enabling them to establish backdoors, modify network policies, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks against internal network segments. The SMA100 appliance serves as a critical network access control device, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could compromise the entire network security posture. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to bypass network segmentation controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt network services, with implications that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
Organizations utilizing affected SonicWall SMA100 appliances should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates to versions 9.0.0.4 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of authenticated attacks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict authentication controls, and conducting thorough network audits to identify any potential compromise indicators. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and validating input handling mechanisms within web applications, particularly in network infrastructure devices that serve as critical security controls.