CVE-2024-29972 in NAS326
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2024
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** The command injection vulnerability in the CGI program "remote_help-cgi" in Zyxel NAS326 firmware versions before V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 and NAS542 firmware versions before V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute some operating system (OS) commands by sending a crafted HTTP POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29972 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 network attached storage devices. This issue affects firmware versions prior to V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 for NAS326 models and V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 for NAS542 models, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these devices for file storage and network services. The vulnerability resides in the remote_help-cgi program, which is a common component in web-based management interfaces for network appliances. This CGI program is designed to provide help and support functionality through web interfaces, but it fails to properly sanitize user input, creating a pathway for malicious command execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted HTTP POST request that targets the vulnerable CGI program. When an unauthenticated attacker sends such a request, the system processes the input without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing malicious commands to be interpreted and executed as operating system commands. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77, which describes command injection flaws where user-supplied data is directly passed to system commands without proper input filtering. The attack vector leverages the web interface's trust in its own processing logic, bypassing authentication mechanisms entirely since the vulnerability is accessible without prior authentication. The lack of input validation creates a direct execution path from user-controlled data to the underlying operating system, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in network appliances that typically have elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to substantial risk of unauthorized system compromise and data breaches. An attacker could potentially gain full control over the affected NAS devices, enabling them to access stored files, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means that even organizations without active network monitoring might remain unaware of exploitation attempts, as no authentication is required for the attack. The potential for lateral movement within networks increases significantly since NAS devices often serve as central storage points containing sensitive data and may be accessible from multiple network segments. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through the installation of backdoors or by leveraging the device as a command and control server for other malware.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to the latest supported versions that address this vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit access to these devices from untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and network access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious HTTP POST requests containing command injection patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within the network infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework reference T1059.001, this vulnerability maps to the command and scripting interpreter technique, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in network appliance design, as well as the necessity of maintaining up-to-date firmware to protect against known security flaws.