CVE-2023-6357 in Control for BeagleBone SL
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
A low-privileged remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability and inject additional system commands via file system libraries which could give the attacker full control of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within file system libraries that allows low-privileged remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on affected devices. The weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file system processing components, creating an environment where maliciously crafted file paths or names can be manipulated to trigger unintended system behavior. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where file system operations are performed without proper sanitization of user-supplied data, enabling attackers to inject command sequences that get executed with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which encompasses command injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector involves remote exploitation through file system operations, where an attacker can craft file names or paths containing malicious command sequences that bypass normal security controls. The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can provide attackers with complete system compromise, allowing them to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent access. The low privilege requirement means that attackers do not need elevated credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where file system operations are frequently performed by less privileged users or applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability typically occurs when file system libraries fail to properly escape or validate special characters that have meaning in command execution contexts. Attackers can leverage this by creating file names or directory structures containing command injection payloads such as semicolons, ampersands, or other shell metacharacters that get interpreted when the system processes these file system operations. The flaw often manifests in applications that dynamically construct system commands based on file system inputs without proper input filtering or context-aware escaping mechanisms. This creates a scenario where legitimate file operations become vectors for malicious command execution, bypassing traditional security controls that might monitor network traffic or user inputs but not file system manipulations. The vulnerability can be exploited across various operating systems and file system implementations where the underlying libraries do not adequately sanitize inputs before processing them through system command execution paths. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be performed remotely, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems without detection.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6357 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once exploited, attackers can leverage the compromised system as a foothold for further reconnaissance and attack progression, potentially accessing other systems or data repositories within the network. The vulnerability can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where file sharing, document management, or backup systems are frequently used, as these scenarios often involve automated file system operations that could be manipulated by attackers. Organizations may experience data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The attack can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of critical system files, installation of malware, or establishment of backdoors for persistent access. From a detection perspective, this type of vulnerability can be challenging to identify through traditional network monitoring as the malicious activity may occur at the file system level rather than through network protocols. The exploitation can also lead to privilege escalation scenarios where attackers move from initial low-privileged access to administrative control of affected systems, significantly amplifying the potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6357 should focus on input validation, proper sanitization of file system operations, and implementation of least privilege principles for file system access. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing file system operations, particularly focusing on special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters. The implementation of proper context-aware escaping and encoding mechanisms within file system libraries can prevent malicious payloads from being interpreted as commands. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately to address known vulnerabilities in file system libraries and related components. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Application-level controls should be implemented to restrict file system access to only necessary operations and limit the privileges associated with file system operations. Security awareness training for administrators and developers should emphasize the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and command execution. The implementation of web application firewalls and file system monitoring tools can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their systems. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 should be maintained to ensure comprehensive security controls are in place. The use of automated security scanning tools can help identify vulnerable file system operations and ensure that proper sanitization mechanisms are implemented across all applications that interact with file system components.