CVE-2021-40612 in Open-AudIT
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2021
An issue was discovered in Opmantek Open-AudIT after 3.5.0. Without authentication, a vulnerability in code_igniter/application/controllers/util.php allows an attacker perform command execution without echoes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-40612 resides within the Opmantek Open-AudIT application, specifically in the code_igniter/application/controllers/util.php file, affecting versions prior to 3.5.0. This represents a critical command injection flaw that fundamentally undermines the application's security posture by allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's controller layer, creating an attack surface where malicious payloads can be directly interpreted and executed by the system shell without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the application's lack of proper authentication mechanisms combined with insecure command execution patterns. When an attacker sends crafted requests to the vulnerable endpoint, the application processes user-supplied input directly within shell execution contexts, bypassing all standard security controls. This flaw operates under CWE-78 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a direct exploitation vector for remote code execution. The absence of output echoing in the vulnerability's execution means that attackers can perform operations without immediate detection, complicating forensic analysis and defensive measures.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Open-AudIT for network auditing and asset management. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete system control, potentially escalating privileges, accessing sensitive data, or deploying additional malicious payloads. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any network-accessible instance of the vulnerable software becomes immediately compromised, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks, as attackers can use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-40612 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.5.0 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass and command execution flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Open-AudIT application, particularly restricting external exposure. Additionally, security controls should include monitoring for suspicious requests to the util.php endpoint and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically highlighting the execution of malicious commands through application interfaces. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar flaws in other components of the application stack.