CVE-2020-10795 in TKS-IP-Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Gira TKS-IP-Gateway 4.0.7.7 is vulnerable to authenticated remote code execution via the backup functionality of the web frontend. This can be combined with CVE-2020-10794 for remote root access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2020
The Gira TKS-IP-Gateway version 4.0.7.7 represents a critical network infrastructure device commonly deployed in industrial and commercial automation environments where secure communication between building management systems and internet protocols is essential. This device serves as a gateway for integrating various building automation components with networked control systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure networks. The vulnerability exists within the web-based administrative interface's backup functionality, which provides legitimate administrative capabilities for system configuration management and data preservation. However, this legitimate feature has been compromised through a flaw that allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and access controls.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability within the backup processing module of the web interface. When administrators or authorized users attempt to perform backup operations through the web frontend, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters that are passed to underlying system commands. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter handling within the backup functionality, creating a path where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted and executed as system commands by the operating system. The flaw specifically affects the way the system processes backup file names, destination paths, or other parameters that are directly incorporated into shell commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, which specifically address command injection flaws in software systems where user-controllable data is improperly handled in command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables authenticated remote code execution that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. An attacker who gains valid credentials to the web interface can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application user, which typically operates with elevated system permissions. The combination with CVE-2020-10794 creates a particularly dangerous attack vector, as the initial vulnerability allows for authenticated access, while the second vulnerability provides a path to escalate privileges to root access. This combination effectively provides attackers with complete administrative control over the device, enabling them to modify system configurations, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these gateways often serve as critical communication bridges between operational technology networks and corporate IT systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first obtain valid authentication credentials, which may be acquired through various means including credential brute force attacks, social engineering, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the network. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the backup functionality to inject malicious commands that will be executed by the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices deployed in environments where building automation systems are connected to the internet, including smart buildings, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure installations where the gateway serves as a communication bridge between different network segments. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while also ensuring that all devices are regularly updated with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in networked systems where administrative interfaces provide access to critical system functions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected devices, implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious backup activities, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control operations and privilege escalation, making it particularly relevant for security teams implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures.