CVE-2024-42469 in openhab-webui
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2024
openHAB, a provider of open-source home automation software, has add-ons including the visualization add-on CometVisu. Prior to version 4.2.1, CometVisu's file system endpoints don't require authentication and additionally the endpoint to update an existing file is susceptible to path traversal. This makes it possible for an attacker to overwrite existing files on the openHAB instance. If the overwritten file is a shell script that is executed at a later time, this vulnerability can allow remote code execution by an attacker. Users should upgrade to version 4.2.1 to receive a patch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42469 affects the CometVisu visualization add-on within openHAB, an open-source home automation platform that has gained significant traction in both residential and commercial smart home deployments. This vulnerability resides within the file system endpoints of the CometVisu component, which serves as a web-based visualization interface for home automation systems. The issue manifests in two distinct but interconnected security flaws that together create a severe attack vector for unauthorized users seeking to compromise openHAB installations. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 4.2.1, making it critical for system administrators to assess their current deployments and implement immediate upgrades.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms combined with a path traversal vulnerability in the file update endpoint. The lack of authentication requirements for file system endpoints creates an inherent access control weakness that allows any remote attacker to interact with the system's file management capabilities without proper authorization. This authentication bypass represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture, as it violates the principle of least privilege and allows unauthorized access to critical system resources. The path traversal vulnerability further compounds this issue by enabling attackers to manipulate file paths and potentially navigate to restricted directories outside the intended file system boundaries. This combination creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can not only access files but also overwrite them with malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates potential for remote code execution within the openHAB environment. When attackers exploit this vulnerability, they can overwrite existing files on the openHAB instance, with particular concern arising when target files include shell scripts that are scheduled for execution. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish backdoors or malicious code execution within the home automation system, potentially compromising the entire smart home infrastructure. The severity of this attack vector is amplified by the fact that openHAB systems often run with elevated privileges and may have access to network services, IoT devices, and other critical components within the home automation ecosystem. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but entire smart home networks that rely on openHAB for their automation and control infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-285 Improper Authorization, both of which are classified as critical security weaknesses in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can use the path traversal capability to plant malicious scripts that execute commands on the target system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that openHAB deployments often run on devices with limited security controls, such as Raspberry Pi systems or embedded devices that may not have robust network segmentation or monitoring in place. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly minor authentication and input validation issues can escalate into significant security breaches within IoT and home automation systems. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to version 4.2.1, which includes proper authentication enforcement and path traversal protection mechanisms that address both components of this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider additional security controls such as firewall rules limiting access to the CometVisu endpoints to trusted networks only.