CVE-2024-43386 in FL MGUARD 2102
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
A low privileged remote attacker can trigger the execution of arbitrary OS commands as root due to improper neutralization of special elements in the variable EMAIL_NOTIFICATION.TO in mGuard devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43386 represents a critical command injection flaw within mGuard security appliances that allows low privilege remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with root privileges. This vulnerability specifically affects the EMAIL_NOTIFICATION.TO variable within the mGuard device configuration system, where inadequate input validation and sanitization permits maliciously crafted payloads to bypass security controls and escalate privileges. The flaw exists in the email notification functionality where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper neutralization of special characters that could alter command execution flow. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-controllable input in a context where system commands are constructed dynamically, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can influence command interpretation and execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the EMAIL_NOTIFICATION.TO parameter, where special characters such as semicolons, pipes, or command separators can be injected to append additional commands to the legitimate email notification execution flow. When the system processes this malformed input, it constructs shell commands that include the attacker's payload, resulting in unauthorized command execution with root privileges. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, where insufficient neutralization of special elements leads to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as remote attackers can leverage it without prior access credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-43386 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to gain root access to mGuard appliances, enabling them to modify system configurations, install backdoors, or extract sensitive information from the device. The compromised appliance could then serve as a pivot point for broader network infiltration, as mGuard devices often function as security gateways or network monitoring appliances. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing with attachments, as attackers could exploit this flaw to execute malicious payloads and establish persistent access. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that even unauthenticated attackers can compromise these devices, making the attack surface significantly larger.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43386 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization within the mGuard device firmware, ensuring that all user-controllable parameters are properly escaped or filtered before being incorporated into system commands. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to mGuard appliances and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. The vendor should provide firmware updates that address the command injection flaw through proper input neutralization techniques and parameter validation. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network scans to identify affected mGuard devices and implement monitoring for unusual email notification activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules at network boundaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched firmware to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is properly addressed.