CVE-2021-29003 in Platinum 4410
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2021
Genexis PLATINUM 4410 2.1 P4410-V2-1.28 devices allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters to sys_config_valid.xgi, as demonstrated by the sys_config_valid.xgi?exeshell=%60telnetd%20%26%60 URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29003 affects Genexis PLATINUM 4410 2.1 P4410-V2-1.28 network devices, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables unauthorized attackers to gain full system control. This vulnerability exists within the device's web interface handling mechanism, specifically targeting the sys_config_valid.xgi script which processes user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw manifests when the device receives a specially crafted URI containing shell metacharacters, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands directly on the affected system. The demonstration payload shown in the vulnerability report uses telnetd execution with shell metacharacters to establish remote access, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the web application layer of the network device. The sys_config_valid.xgi script fails to properly filter or escape special shell characters such as backticks, ampersands, and semicolons, creating a classic command injection vulnerability. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the device's command execution flow by injecting malicious shell commands through the query parameters of the URI. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure devices that are often accessible from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation enables attackers to completely compromise the affected network device and potentially use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Once executed, the arbitrary code injection can provide attackers with root-level privileges on the device, allowing them to modify system configurations, install backdoors, monitor network traffic, or redirect traffic through the compromised device. The vulnerability affects the device's core configuration management functionality, potentially allowing attackers to modify network settings, disable security features, or create persistent access mechanisms. Given that network infrastructure devices often serve as critical components in enterprise and industrial networks, the compromise of such devices can lead to widespread security breaches and operational disruptions.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability, particularly for devices that are accessible from external networks. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying firmware updates from Genexis if available, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and restricting access to the device's web interface through network access control lists. Additionally, network administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their infrastructure and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious network activity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code injection flaws, and corresponds to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services. The attack surface can be significantly reduced by disabling unnecessary web services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly reviewing device configurations to ensure proper security hardening measures are in place.