CVE-2019-7486 in SMA100
Summary
by MITRE
Code injection in SonicWall SMA100 allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary code in viewcacert CGI script. This vulnerability impacted SMA100 version 9.0.0.4 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2024
The SonicWall SMA100 series devices represent a critical component in enterprise network security infrastructure, providing secure remote access and virtual private network capabilities for organizations worldwide. These appliances are widely deployed in corporate environments and government agencies where they serve as gateways for remote workforce connectivity and secure network access. The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-7486 specifically targets the viewcacert CGI script within the SMA100 device management interface, creating a dangerous attack surface that could allow authenticated adversaries to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the underlying system. This particular vulnerability affects firmware versions 9.0.0.4 and earlier, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not yet upgraded their security infrastructure.
The technical flaw in CVE-2019-7486 manifests as a code injection vulnerability within the viewcacert CGI script, which is part of the web-based administration interface of the SonicWall SMA100 appliance. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell." The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the CGI script, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web server process. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once authenticated, they can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has significant access to the underlying operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it creates a pathway for attackers to completely compromise the SMA100 appliance and potentially the entire network infrastructure it protects. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to the device's underlying operating system, allowing them to modify network configurations, intercept and decrypt traffic, or establish persistent backdoors for future access. The attack could also enable lateral movement within the network, as the SMA100 appliance often serves as a critical gateway for remote access to internal systems. Organizations using affected SMA100 versions face significant risk of data breaches, network disruption, and potential compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where network security controls are paramount. The vulnerability's presence in firmware versions up to 9.0.0.4 indicates that it was likely present for an extended period, potentially allowing attackers to develop and deploy exploitation techniques before the vulnerability was widely known.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address the CVE-2019-7486 vulnerability in their SonicWall SMA100 deployments. The primary and most effective mitigation involves upgrading to firmware versions that contain the necessary patches and security fixes, with SonicWall releasing updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in their subsequent firmware releases. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the SMA100 management interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough network monitoring to detect any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the affected CGI scripts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can help identify and block malicious input patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations or services. Organizations should also review and strengthen their credential management practices, including implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access to these critical network devices. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability represents a significant opportunity for adversaries to establish persistence and escalate privileges, making the combination of firmware updates and enhanced monitoring essential for comprehensive defense.