CVE-2020-16152 in ExtremeWireless Aerohive HiveOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2021
The NetConfig UI administrative interface in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless Aerohive HiveOS and IQ Engine through 10.0r8a allows attackers to execute PHP code as the root user via remote HTTP requests that insert this code into a log file and then traverse to that file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2020-16152 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless Aerohive HiveOS and IQ Engine versions through 10.0r8a. This issue resides within the NetConfig UI administrative interface, which serves as a critical management component for wireless network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before it is processed and logged within the system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that contain PHP code, which then gets written to log files within the system's filesystem. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to PHP code injection scenarios where attacker-controlled data is executed as code within the target environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it grants remote attackers the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise. The attack vector leverages the system's logging mechanism as an intermediary step, where malicious payloads are first written to log files and then subsequently traversed through directory traversal techniques to execute the embedded code. This approach allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls and gain unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions including but not limited to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and deployment of persistent backdoors. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can manipulate network configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire wireless infrastructure under the system's control.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows a multi-stage attack pattern that aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Specifically, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP, where adversaries leverage PHP code execution capabilities to run malicious commands. The attack begins with initial access through the exposed administrative interface, followed by command and control operations through the executed PHP code. The use of log file manipulation as an execution vector demonstrates sophisticated attack methodology that leverages legitimate system functionality for malicious purposes. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects enterprise-grade wireless network management systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these platforms for critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate the affected systems from critical network segments and apply the vendor-provided patches or updates as soon as they become available. The recommended mitigation strategies include disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, implementing strict access controls through firewalls, and monitoring log files for suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential compromise of their wireless infrastructure and implement continuous monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in administrative interfaces, particularly those that handle user-supplied data and interact with system-level functionality.