CVE-2022-46080 in Nebula 1200-AC
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2023
Nexxt Nebula 1200-AC 15.03.06.60 allows authentication bypass and command execution by using the HTTPD service to enable TELNET.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46080 affects the Nexxt Nebula 1200-AC network security appliance running firmware version 15.03.06.60. This device operates as a network access control system that typically manages network access and security policies. The flaw manifests within the HTTPD service implementation, which serves as the web-based management interface for the device. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the HTTPD service to enable the TELNET service, thereby circumventing the normal authentication mechanisms that should protect access to the device's administrative functions.
The technical exploitation involves a privilege escalation and authentication bypass mechanism that allows unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative access to the device. When the HTTPD service is manipulated to enable TELNET, it creates an unintended pathway for remote command execution without proper authentication. This vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the device's access control implementation, as it allows attackers to bypass the standard authentication procedures that should prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions. The underlying mechanism appears to involve improper privilege management within the HTTPD service, where administrative commands to enable TELNET are not properly validated or restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected network security appliance. Once compromised, attackers can modify network access policies, disable security features, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the device for network security, as it essentially provides a remote entry point for malicious actors to compromise the entire network perimeter that the device is meant to protect. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance, establish command and control channels, and potentially escalate privileges to other network devices.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and control execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unauthorized TELNET service activation. Additionally, network administrators should disable unnecessary services, implement proper access controls, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and proper privilege separation in network security appliances to prevent unauthorized access and command execution.