CVE-2021-28203 in BMC
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2021
The Web Set Media Image function in ASUS BMC’s firmware Web management page does not filter the specific parameter. As obtaining the administrator permission, remote attackers can launch command injection to execute command arbitrary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-28203 resides within the Web Set Media Image function of ASUS Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware, specifically affecting the web management interface. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter filtering within the web management page's image handling functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands without requiring administrative credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a command injection flaw where the Web Set Media Image function fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them. When a user submits an image file through the web interface, the system does not adequately filter or validate the parameters associated with the image upload process. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious commands that get executed by the underlying system shell, effectively allowing complete remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the web management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected BMC systems. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate network configurations, access sensitive system information, modify device settings, and potentially use the compromised BMC as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability affects the core management capabilities of enterprise network devices, as BMC systems are critical for remote system administration and monitoring functions. The exposure of such a flaw in network infrastructure equipment poses significant risks to organizations relying on ASUS BMC devices for their network management operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from ASUS to address the command injection flaw, while network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of BMC management interfaces. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious activities on management ports. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to restrict access to BMC management interfaces to authorized personnel only, as specified in the mitre ATT&CK framework's network infrastructure category. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89 categories, representing command injection and SQL injection flaws respectively, and demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation in web applications.