CVE-2021-36982 in AIMANAGER
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2021
AIMANAGER before B115 on MONITORAPP Application Insight Web Application Firewall (AIWAF) devices with Manager 2.1.0 allows OS Command Injection because of missing input validation on one of the parameters of an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-36982 affects AIMANAGER software versions prior to B115 within the MONITORAPP Application Insight Web Application Firewall family of devices. This critical security flaw resides in the Manager 2.1.0 component and represents a significant weakness in the device's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets a parameter within HTTP requests that fails to properly validate incoming data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected device.
This vulnerability constitutes a classic operating system command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The absence of proper input validation allows attackers to inject malicious commands through HTTP request parameters, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application or system process. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted. An attacker who successfully exploits this command injection flaw can gain unauthorized access to the device's operating system, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The compromised device could then serve as a staging point for further attacks within the network infrastructure, particularly in environments where web application firewalls serve as critical security controls. The vulnerability's presence in a web application firewall device creates a particularly concerning scenario as it undermines the very security protections that organizations rely upon.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-36982 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions B115 or later, which contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and establish strict access controls through authentication mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious command injection patterns, implementing web application firewalls with proper input validation, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues in other components.