CVE-2023-3260 in iBoot-PDU
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2023
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier is vulnerable to command injection via the `user-name` URL parameter.An authenticated malicious agent can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary command on the underlying Linux operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2023
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU represents a critical network infrastructure device used for power distribution management in data centers and enterprise environments. This device operates with a web-based management interface that allows administrators to monitor and control power delivery to connected equipment. The vulnerability exists within the firmware version 1.43.03312023 and earlier releases, specifically targeting the authentication mechanism and input validation processes within the web interface. The device's operating system runs on a Linux kernel, providing a standard Unix-like environment for system operations and network services. Security researchers identified that the system fails to properly sanitize user input when processing the `user-name` parameter within URL requests, creating a path for malicious command execution.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability that occurs when the system processes the `user-name` URL parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. When an authenticated user submits a specially crafted value containing shell metacharacters within this parameter, the system passes this unfiltered input directly to underlying system commands or shell executions. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the web interface's parameter handling. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to inject operating system commands that execute with the privileges of the web application process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions on the Linux-based platform. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, where user-supplied data flows directly into command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides a potential pathway for attackers to gain complete control over the device's operating system. An authenticated malicious agent can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of power management services. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the device operates in critical infrastructure environments where power distribution failures could lead to significant business disruption or security incidents. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This represents a high-severity risk according to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the Linux command shell execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates to versions that address the command injection flaw, proper input validation implementation, and network segmentation to limit access to the device. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to reduce the attack surface. The solution requires proper sanitization of all user inputs before processing, particularly in URL parameters, and should employ parameterized queries or command execution methods that prevent shell injection attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns and establish regular security assessments of critical infrastructure devices. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls at the network perimeter can provide additional layers of defense against such attacks, ensuring that malicious payloads are identified and blocked before reaching the vulnerable system components.