CVE-2022-24796 in RaspberryMatic
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2022
RaspberryMatic is a free and open-source operating system for running a cloud-free smart-home using the homematicIP / HomeMatic hardware line of IoT devices. A Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in the file upload facility of the WebUI interface of RaspberryMatic exists. Missing input validation/sanitization in the file upload mechanism allows remote, unauthenticated attackers with network access to the WebUI interface to achieve arbitrary operating system command execution via shell metacharacters in the HTTP query string. Injected commands are executed as root, thus leading to a full compromise of the underlying system and all its components. Versions after `2.31.25.20180428` and prior to `3.63.8.20220330` are affected. Users are advised to update to version `3.63.8.20220330` or newer. There are currently no known workarounds to mitigate the security impact and users are advised to update to the latest version available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-24796 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in RaspberryMatic, a popular open-source smart home operating system that enables users to control homematicIP and HomeMatic IoT devices without cloud dependencies. This system serves as a centralized hub for home automation, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise residential and commercial smart home environments. The vulnerability specifically resides within the web user interface's file upload functionality, which lacks proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. This weakness creates a pathway for remote, unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious commands through the HTTP query string, exploiting the system's trust in user-provided data without adequate verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of file upload parameters, particularly in how the system processes HTTP query strings containing shell metacharacters. When attackers craft malicious payloads with command injection sequences, the system fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before processing them. This failure allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with root privileges, effectively granting them complete control over the compromised system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that commands execute with the highest possible system privileges, meaning that attackers can manipulate all system components, access sensitive data, modify configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This privilege escalation capability directly aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities and the execution of arbitrary commands through insecure input handling.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple system compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of RaspberryMatic installations. Home automation systems often contain sensitive personal data, including user preferences, occupancy patterns, and environmental control settings that could be exploited for surveillance or further attacks. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require valid credentials to initiate the attack, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems accessible over the internet. Additionally, the affected version range indicates that this vulnerability has existed for an extended period, potentially allowing attackers to develop and refine exploitation techniques. The full compromise of the underlying system could enable attackers to pivot to other networked devices, establish command and control channels, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against connected networks, representing a significant threat to the broader IoT ecosystem.
Organizations and individuals using RaspberryMatic systems must prioritize immediate remediation through the recommended update to version 3.63.8.20220330 or newer, as no viable workarounds exist to mitigate the vulnerability without upgrading. The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Security teams should implement network segmentation to limit access to RaspberryMatic interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and monitor for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish regular security audits to ensure all components remain updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the risks associated with embedded systems that lack proper security controls, particularly when they serve as central control points for critical infrastructure.