CVE-2020-5725 in UCM6200
Summary
by MITRE
The Grandstream UCM6200 series before 1.0.20.22 is vulnerable to an SQL injection via the HTTP server's websockify endpoint. A remote unauthenticated attacker can invoke the login action with a crafted username and, through the use of timing attacks, can discover user passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2024
The Grandstream UCM6200 series devices represent a family of unified communication management systems widely deployed in enterprise environments for voice and video communication services. These devices serve as central management points for VoIP infrastructure and are commonly used in business communication networks. The vulnerability identified in versions prior to 1.0.20.22 affects the websockify endpoint within the HTTP server implementation, creating a critical security gap that exposes organizations to remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the device, potentially compromising the entire communication infrastructure. The affected systems are particularly concerning because they often serve as gateways for critical business communications, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking persistent access to enterprise networks.
The technical flaw manifests as an SQL injection vulnerability within the websockify endpoint which processes HTTP requests without proper input validation. When a remote attacker sends a crafted username parameter to the login action, the system fails to sanitize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of input sanitization allows malicious payloads to manipulate the database query execution path. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication to exploit, meaning attackers can target the system from outside the network without prior credentials. The timing attack component of this vulnerability allows an attacker to infer password information through observing response time variations during database query execution, effectively enabling password recovery without direct access to authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to critical communication infrastructure. Once compromised, attackers can potentially intercept voice communications, modify call routing, or establish backdoor access points within the network. The vulnerability affects the core authentication system of the device, which means that any administrative access or user authentication can be bypassed. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of business disruption, data interception, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The timing attack methodology used in conjunction with SQL injection allows for relatively efficient password discovery, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems with weak password policies. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 1.0.20.22 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection flaw. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to external networks, particularly through the use of firewalls and network access control lists. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable endpoints within the communication infrastructure. Organizations should also implement robust monitoring for unusual authentication patterns or timing variations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection. Additional defensive measures include implementing strong password policies, enabling multi-factor authentication where possible, and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components.