CVE-2021-27449 in AmegaView
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
Mesa Labs AmegaView Versions 3.0 and prior has a command injection vulnerability that can be exploited to execute commands in the web server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-27449 resides within Mesa Labs AmegaView software versions 3.0 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the web server component of the AmegaView platform, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw manifests when user-supplied input containing shell metacharacters is improperly processed and passed to system commands without adequate sanitization or validation, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious commands directly on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's web interface, particularly in parameters handling that are subsequently used in system command execution contexts.
Command injection vulnerabilities of this nature fall under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input handling. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a web-based management interface, making it accessible through standard network protocols and potentially exploitable by remote attackers without requiring physical access to the system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that includes shell command separators such as semicolons, ampersands, or pipes, which are then interpreted by the underlying shell when the application executes system commands. This allows attackers to bypass normal application controls and execute unauthorized operations including but not limited to file manipulation, process management, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. The severity is amplified by the fact that web servers typically operate with elevated privileges, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system and its resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-27449 extends beyond immediate command execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity violations. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, persistent backdoor installation, and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the AmegaView environment. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges to system administrators, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in a monitoring and management application like AmegaView creates additional risks since these systems often contain sensitive operational data and may serve as critical infrastructure components. Network reconnaissance activities can be conducted through command injection, enabling attackers to map network topology, identify other vulnerable systems, and potentially pivot to adjacent network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-27449 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Mesa Labs AmegaView software that resolves the command injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation controls that filter or escape special characters used in command execution contexts, preventing malicious input from being interpreted as shell commands. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server process with minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to the AmegaView web interface to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against command injection attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles. Organizations should also establish robust incident response procedures to quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, including monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts.