CVE-2021-27445 in AmegaView
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
Mesa Labs AmegaView Versions 3.0 and prior has insecure file permissions that could be exploited to escalate privileges on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-27445 affects Mesa Labs AmegaView versions 3.0 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation risk within embedded systems. This issue stems from insecure file permissions that allow unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges on the affected device, potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control environments where AmegaView systems are commonly deployed for monitoring and control purposes. The insecure file permissions create an attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the affected devices.
The technical flaw manifests through improper file permission configurations that fail to enforce adequate access controls. When a device operates with insecure file permissions, it allows users to modify critical system files, configuration data, or executable components without proper authentication or authorization. This misconfiguration typically occurs at the operating system level or within the application's file handling mechanisms, where default permissions are not properly restricted. The vulnerability falls under CWE-732, which specifically addresses inadequate permissions for critical system resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by identifying files with overly permissive access controls, modifying them to inject malicious code, and subsequently executing the modified components with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive operational data. In industrial environments where AmegaView systems control critical infrastructure, such as manufacturing processes, power generation, or water treatment facilities, the consequences can be severe. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially disrupt operations, modify critical process parameters, or gain persistent access to the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the system, as it allows for unauthorized modifications that could lead to system instability or complete operational failure. Additionally, the compromise of one device could provide a foothold for lateral movement within the network, potentially enabling broader attacks against other connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-27445 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and proper configuration management. Organizations must ensure that all affected AmegaView systems are updated to versions that address the insecure file permission issue. System administrators should conduct thorough permission audits to identify and correct any files with overly permissive access controls, implementing the principle of least privilege for all system components. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar permission-related issues across the entire infrastructure. The implementation of file integrity monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for personnel managing these systems should emphasize the importance of proper file permission management and the risks associated with insecure configurations.