CVE-2021-33729 in SINEC NMS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEC NMS (All versions < V1.0 SP2 Update 1). An authenticated attacker that is able to import firmware containers to an affected system could execute arbitrary commands in the local database.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33729 affects SINEC NMS software versions prior to V1.0 SP2 Update 1, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the local database of affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the firmware container import functionality of the SINEC NMS platform, which is commonly used for network management and industrial automation environments. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization during the firmware import process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code within the database layer of the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user with sufficient privileges to import firmware containers into the affected system. Once the malicious firmware container is successfully imported, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary command execution within the local database context, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, or establish persistent access to the system. This represents a significant elevation of privilege vulnerability that can be classified under CWE-78 as a failure to properly sanitize system inputs, specifically in the context of database command execution. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute commands directly against the underlying database infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-33729 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the local database. In industrial environments where SINEC NMS is deployed for network management, this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical network operations. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on industrial automation and network management systems, potentially exposing them to supply chain attacks or insider threats where authenticated users with firmware import privileges are compromised. This weakness can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically the use of database shells for command execution. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where the database contains sensitive operational data, configuration information, or authentication credentials.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the available patch or update to version V1.0 SP2 Update 1, which contains the necessary fixes to address the input validation issues in the firmware import functionality. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while monitoring for unauthorized firmware import activities should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their environment, ensuring that proper privilege controls are enforced for firmware import operations. The remediation process should include reviewing and strengthening authentication mechanisms, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative functions, and establishing regular security audits of database access and modification activities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.