CVE-2021-3198 in MobileIron
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2021
By abusing the 'install rpm url' command, an attacker can escape the restricted clish shell on affected versions of Ivanti MobileIron Core. This issue was fixed in version 11.1.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3198 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Ivanti MobileIron Core systems that directly exploits the restricted clish shell environment. This vulnerability specifically targets the 'install rpm url' command functionality, which should normally operate within strict security boundaries but can be manipulated to bypass these protections. The affected versions of MobileIron Core implement a command-line interface shell that is designed to limit user access to only approved administrative functions while preventing direct system-level command execution. However, this particular flaw allows malicious actors to leverage the rpm installation mechanism as an attack vector for shell escape techniques. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the command processing pipeline, where the system fails to properly validate the URL parameter passed to the install rpm url function. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands that execute outside the intended restricted environment, effectively breaking out of the controlled clish shell boundaries. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-74, which addresses injection flaws in command execution contexts, and represents a classic example of command injection that can be exploited through improper handling of user-supplied input.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-3198 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the MobileIron Core platform. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain access to elevated privileges within the system, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary commands with root-level permissions. This capability enables attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data repositories, and establish persistent access points within the enterprise network. The restricted clish shell environment that was designed to prevent unauthorized access to critical system functions becomes completely ineffective against this exploit, rendering the entire security architecture vulnerable. Organizations using affected MobileIron Core versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring valid authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for automated attack tools and opportunistic threat actors.
The exploitation of CVE-2021-3198 aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and command execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that begins with initial access and progresses through privilege escalation to achieve their ultimate objectives. The technique used in this exploit corresponds to ATT&CK tactic T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting threat modeling exercises and risk assessments for mobile device management platforms. The fix implemented in version 11.1.0.0 addresses the core issue by strengthening input validation mechanisms and properly sanitizing URL parameters before processing them through the rpm installation command. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately, as the timeframe between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation by threat actors is typically quite short. The remediation process involves upgrading to the patched version of MobileIron Core, which includes enhanced security controls that prevent the injection of malicious commands through the rpm url installation interface. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the attack may generate unusual network traffic patterns or command execution artifacts that can be identified through proper security monitoring.