CVE-2023-6895 in Intercom Broadcasting System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2023
A vulnerability was found in Hikvision Intercom Broadcasting System 3.0.3_20201113_RELEASE(HIK). It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /php/ping.php. The manipulation of the argument jsondata[ip] with the input netstat -ano leads to os command injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 4.1.0 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-248254 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6895 represents a critical command injection flaw within Hikvision's Intercom Broadcasting System version 3.0.3_20201113_RELEASE. This security weakness resides in the php/ping.php file and specifically targets the jsondata[ip] parameter, creating a dangerous attack surface that allows remote adversaries to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious payloads passed through the targeted parameter, making it particularly dangerous for networked security infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of os command injection where an attacker can manipulate the jsondata[ip] argument by providing a crafted payload containing the netstat -ano command. This specific payload demonstrates how the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal application logic and directly interact with the underlying operating system, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack vector operates through the web application's interface, where the malicious input is processed without proper sanitization, allowing the system to interpret and execute the embedded commands with the privileges of the web application process. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over the affected system's network interfaces and processes. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to enumerate network connections, potentially discover other vulnerable systems on the network, and establish persistent access through the compromised intercom system. The disclosure of exploitation methods to the public community significantly increases the risk profile, as it removes the element of technical sophistication required for exploitation. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that have not yet patched their systems, as the attack surface remains exposed and accessible to malicious actors with basic technical knowledge. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure components that are often deployed in sensitive environments where security is paramount, making the potential impact severe.
Mitigation efforts should prioritize immediate upgrading of the affected Intercom Broadcasting System to version 4.1.0, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks, following principle of least privilege concepts from cybersecurity frameworks. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious payloads, conducting comprehensive network scanning to identify any potential exploitation attempts, and establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter handling in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, and emphasizes the need for continuous security testing and vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues in critical infrastructure deployments.