CVE-2024-2162 in NDI
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2024
An OS Command Injection vulnerability in Kiloview NDI allows a low-privileged user to execute arbitrary code remotely on the device with high privileges.
This issue affects Kiloview NDI N3, N3-s, N4, N20, N30, N40 and was fixed in Firmware version 2.02.0227 .
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within the Kiloview NDI series of network devices, specifically impacting models including N3, N3-s, N4, N20, N30, and N40. The flaw allows a low-privileged user to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code remotely on the affected devices, fundamentally compromising the security posture of these network monitoring and management systems. The vulnerability exists in the device's handling of user input within command execution contexts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain elevated system access. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in operating systems, making it particularly dangerous given the network infrastructure context in which these devices operate.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper sanitization of user-supplied input within command execution functions. When legitimate users interact with the device's web interface or management protocols, the system fails to adequately validate or escape input parameters before incorporating them into system commands. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the privileges of the underlying operating system, which typically run with administrative or root-level permissions. The attack vector likely involves manipulating form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints that interface with system commands, enabling the execution of arbitrary shell commands on the device. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where insufficient input validation leads to unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected network devices. Once exploited, attackers can modify device configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, or use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The high privilege execution capability means that even users with minimal access rights can effectively take over the entire device, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for network security administrators who rely on these systems for monitoring and protection. The affected devices operate in environments where they are often deployed in critical network segments, making the compromise of any single device a potential gateway for broader network infiltration and lateral movement activities. This vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of network monitoring functions, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt legitimate network operations or hide their presence within the monitored environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.02.0227 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection flaw. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to these devices, enforce strict access controls, and monitor for unusual command execution patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure opportunities, while network traffic monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable system components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated firmware in controlled environments before deployment to production systems, ensuring that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues or unintended side effects. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping firmware up to date and monitoring for signs of compromise in network infrastructure devices.