CVE-2024-0986 in PBX
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
A vulnerability was found in Issabel PBX 4.0.0. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /index.php?menu=asterisk_cli of the component Asterisk-Cli. The manipulation of the argument Command leads to os command injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-252251. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0986 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Issabel PBX 4.0.0 system, specifically targeting the Asterisk-Cli component through the /index.php?menu=asterisk_cli endpoint. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before processing. The flaw exists in the command argument handling within the Asterisk CLI interface, where malicious input can bypass security controls and execute arbitrary operating system commands with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects its potential for remote code execution and the absence of effective mitigations within the affected system. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be initiated remotely through web-based interfaces without requiring authentication, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal initial access requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the Command parameter in the Asterisk CLI interface, allowing the system to execute unintended operating system commands. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation or sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command and scripting interpreter technique under T1059, where adversaries leverage system command execution capabilities to perform malicious actions. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates a classic command injection scenario where the application fails to properly separate command execution from data processing, creating a direct conduit for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to completely compromise the underlying PBX system and potentially the entire network infrastructure it connects to. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute system commands, access sensitive telephony data, modify system configurations, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. The implications are particularly severe for telecommunications environments where PBX systems often serve as critical infrastructure components, potentially affecting voice communications, emergency services, and business continuity. The vulnerability's public disclosure status and confirmed exploit availability significantly amplify the risk, as threat actors can readily leverage this weakness without requiring specialized knowledge or tools beyond basic web application exploitation techniques.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defensive measures to protect their Issabel PBX deployments. The primary mitigation strategy involves applying the vendor's official security patches or updates as soon as they become available, though the lack of vendor response to early disclosure notifications suggests immediate action may be required before official patches are released. Network-level protections should include implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious command injection patterns and restricting remote access to the affected web interface through network segmentation and access controls. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing strict input validation at multiple layers, and monitoring system logs for signs of unauthorized command execution. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected components within their telephony infrastructure and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle potential exploitation of this critical vulnerability.