CVE-2020-7243 in Stampede FX-1010
Summary
by MITRE
Comtech Stampede FX-1010 7.4.3 devices allow remote authenticated administrators to achieve remote code execution by navigating to the Fetch URL page and entering shell metacharacters in the URL field. (In some cases, authentication can be achieved with the comtech password for the comtech account.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2026
The CVE-2020-7243 vulnerability affects Comtech Stampede FX-1010 devices running firmware version 7.4.3, presenting a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by authenticated attackers. This vulnerability resides within the device's web interface management system, specifically in the Fetch URL page functionality where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious payload injection. The flaw allows an attacker who has already gained administrative credentials to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device through carefully crafted shell metacharacters entered into the URL field, effectively bypassing normal security controls and gaining full control over the device's operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and command injection weaknesses within the device's web application layer. When an authenticated administrator accesses the Fetch URL page and submits malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or pipe characters, the system fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before processing them as part of system commands. This classic command injection vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-89, representing weaknesses in input validation and command execution handling. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where user-supplied data flows directly into shell execution contexts without adequate sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple device compromise, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the network infrastructure. Once exploited, the attacker can modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices where the Comtech Stampede FX-1010 serves as a critical communication gateway, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt operations, access sensitive data, or cause physical damage to connected systems. The attack vector requires only a valid administrative account, which can be obtained through default credentials or credential reuse attacks, making the exploit relatively accessible to threat actors with basic network reconnaissance capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7243 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Comtech to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to only authorized personnel and establish strict access control policies. Regular credential rotation and multi-factor authentication should be enforced for all administrative accounts, while network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns or suspicious network traffic originating from these devices. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls at the network perimeter can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1566 for credential harvesting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the technical flaw and potential exploitation patterns.