CVE-2023-6319 in webOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
A command injection vulnerability exists in the getAudioMetadata method from the com.webos.service.attachedstoragemanager service on webOS version 4 through 7. A series of specially crafted requests can lead to command execution as the root user. An attacker can make authenticated requests to trigger this vulnerability.
* webOS 4.9.7 - 5.30.40 running on LG43UM7000PLA
* webOS 5.5.0 - 04.50.51 running on OLED55CXPUA
* webOS 6.3.3-442 (kisscurl-kinglake) - 03.36.50 running on OLED48C1PUB
* webOS 7.3.1-43 (mullet-mebin) - 03.33.85 running on OLED55A23LA
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-6319 represents a critical command injection flaw within the webOS operating system ecosystem, specifically targeting the com.webos.service.attachedstoragemanager service. This service handles audio metadata retrieval through the getAudioMetadata method, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized system access. The vulnerability affects webOS versions ranging from 4.9.7 through 7.3.1, indicating a significant attack surface across multiple generations of LG's smart TV operating system. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user input before executing system commands, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. This issue is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access to trigger, meaning that attackers who can establish a valid session with the device can leverage this vulnerability without requiring additional authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the audio metadata processing pipeline. When legitimate users submit requests to retrieve audio file information, the system processes these requests through the getAudioMetadata method without adequate sanitization of command parameters. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed by the underlying system with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the service level, where the attached storage manager service fails to properly isolate user input from system execution contexts, creating a direct injection vector for command execution. The impact is amplified by the fact that this service runs with root privileges, meaning any successful exploitation results in complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 Command Injection, which is classified as a high-risk weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog due to its potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6319 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or even device modification for malicious purposes. The vulnerability affects multiple LG smart TV models across different webOS versions, creating a widespread threat landscape that requires immediate attention from both manufacturers and consumers. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers need only valid credentials or session tokens to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently provide access to unauthorized parties. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The attack surface includes not only the immediate command execution capability but also potential for lateral movement within networks where these devices may be connected, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6319 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening of affected systems. The most effective immediate solution involves applying official patches from LG and webOS developers, which should include proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the affected service. Organizations and users should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and enforce strict authentication controls to prevent unauthorized sessions from being established. Additional security measures include monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and implementing network intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation in service-oriented architectures, particularly in embedded systems where service-level vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise. Security teams should also consider implementing application firewalls and runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious command injection attempts, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce regressions in legitimate device functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent exploitation.