CVE-2023-34141 in ATP
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2023
A command injection vulnerability in the access point (AP) management feature of the Zyxel ATP series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2, USG FLEX series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2, USG FLEX 50(W) series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2, USG20(W)-VPN series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2, VPN series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2, NXC2500 firmware versions 6.10(AAIG.0) through 6.10(AAIG.3), and NXC5500 firmware versions 6.10(AAOS.0) through 6.10(AAOS.4), could allow an unauthenticated, LAN-based attacker to execute some OS commands on an affected device if the attacker could trick an authorized administrator to add their IP address to the managed AP list in advance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2023
This command injection vulnerability exists within the management functionality of multiple Zyxel network security appliances including ATP series access points, USG FLEX series firewalls, and various VPN and NXC series devices. The flaw manifests in firmware versions ranging from 5.00 through 5.36 Patch 2 for most affected models, with specific NXC variants having their own version ranges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the AP management feature that handles device registration and management operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input parameters that are directly passed to underlying operating system commands without proper sanitization, creating a classic command injection scenario.
The attack vector requires a specific prerequisite where an authorized administrator must first add the attacker's IP address to the list of managed access points. This creates a trusted relationship that allows the attacker to leverage the legitimate management interface for command execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the LAN level without requiring authentication, meaning an attacker who has physical or network access to the local network can potentially exploit this weakness. This aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities where user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into command execution contexts. The attack scenario demonstrates a privilege escalation pathway where an attacker can leverage a trusted administrative function to execute arbitrary operating system commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can potentially allow full system compromise of the affected devices. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, modify device configurations, redirect traffic, or even establish backdoors for future access. The affected devices typically serve as critical network components including wireless access points, firewalls, and VPN concentrators, making their compromise particularly damaging to overall network security posture. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as it enables unauthorized remote command execution on network infrastructure. The implications are significant for enterprise networks where these devices often form the core of network access control and security enforcement.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks, disabling unnecessary management interfaces where possible, and applying firmware updates from Zyxel as soon as they become available. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unexpected management interface access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in management interfaces that handle user-supplied data. Administrators should also review and tighten access controls for management functions, ensuring that only trusted IP addresses can register devices in management lists. Regular security audits of network infrastructure should include verification of firmware versions and patch compliance to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect core network infrastructure components.