CVE-2022-40969 in QUARTZ-GOLD
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
An os command injection vulnerability exists in the httpd delfile.cgi functionality of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020. A specially-crafted HTTP request can lead to arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40969 represents a critical os command injection flaw within the httpd delfile.cgi component of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020 firmware. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web server's file deletion functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing crafted payloads through the delfile.cgi interface, which is designed to handle file deletion operations within the device's file system. The affected device operates as a network appliance that provides web-based management interfaces, making it susceptible to remote exploitation through unauthenticated HTTP requests. This command injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically classified as CWE-78, which deals with OS Command Injection, where the system fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before executing system commands. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows for complete system compromise without requiring authentication, enabling adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters within HTTP requests sent to the affected web server. When a malicious user crafts a specially formatted HTTP request containing command injection payloads, the delfile.cgi script fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into system commands. This allows attackers to append additional commands that are executed by the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level, meaning successful exploitation can result in complete control over the device's functionality, including access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The specific implementation flaw appears to involve improper handling of file path parameters within the deletion function, where user-controllable data is directly passed to shell execution functions without adequate sanitization or parameter escaping mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the execution of system commands through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40969 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of networked devices running the affected firmware. An attacker with access to the network can exploit this vulnerability remotely to execute commands such as creating backdoors, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive files, or even installing malware on the device. The implications are particularly severe for industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices where Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD appliances are commonly deployed, as these devices often serve critical network functions and may contain sensitive operational data. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, the attacker maintains control over the device until the firmware is updated or the device is physically reconfigured. This type of vulnerability is classified as a zero-day threat in the context of network appliances, as it represents an unknown weakness that can be exploited before defensive measures are implemented. Organizations using this device should consider it as a high-priority security risk requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential compromise of their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40969 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Siretta, as this represents the most effective long-term solution to address the underlying vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation measures can provide additional protection layers, though these are considered temporary workarounds rather than permanent solutions. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure, as similar command injection vulnerabilities may exist in other components of the Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD product line. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious command execution patterns or unusual file operations can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in network appliance development, particularly when handling user-supplied data that may be passed to system-level functions. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure components, as this type of command injection flaw can often be found in legacy systems where security considerations were not adequately addressed during initial development phases.