CVE-2024-6342 in NAS326
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
**UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED** A command injection vulnerability in the export-cgi program of Zyxel NAS326 firmware versions through V5.21(AAZF.18)C0 and NAS542 firmware versions through V5.21(ABAG.15)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 • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6342 represents a critical command injection flaw within the export-cgi program of Zyxel network-attached storage devices. This issue affects specific firmware versions of both NAS326 and NAS542 models, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these devices for data storage and network services. The vulnerability manifests through the export-cgi component which processes HTTP POST requests without adequate input validation, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary operating system commands directly into the device's execution environment. This weakness exists in firmware versions up to and including V5.21(AAZF.18)C0 for NAS326 and V5.21(ABAG.15)C0 for NAS542, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Zyxel NAS product lines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward yet dangerous attack vector involving crafted HTTP POST requests sent to the affected Zyxel devices. When the export-cgi program receives these requests, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, enabling an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed within the device's operating system context. This command injection vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command inside a software component. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, as the vulnerability is accessible to unauthenticated users, making it particularly dangerous for network-attached storage systems that often serve as central data repositories within enterprise environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6342 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling full system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain root-level access to the affected NAS devices, allowing them to modify system configurations, install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require valid credentials to initiate the attack, significantly increasing the attack surface and reducing the time required to achieve successful compromise. Organizations using these vulnerable Zyxel devices face potential data breaches, system downtime, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6342 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Zyxel to address the identified command injection vulnerability. Security teams must implement network segmentation to limit access to affected NAS devices and monitor for suspicious HTTP POST requests that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting the export-cgi component. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected Zyxel NAS devices within their network infrastructure and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing command injection vulnerabilities in storage devices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, highlighting the need for layered defensive measures including network monitoring, access controls, and regular security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that minimize the impact of compromised devices by limiting lateral movement capabilities and enforcing strict access controls on critical network resources.