CVE-2024-7203 in ATP
Summary
by MITRE • 09/03/2024
A post-authentication command injection vulnerability in Zyxel ATP series firmware versions from V4.60 through V5.38 and USG FLEX series firmware versions from V4.60 through V5.38 could allow an authenticated attacker with administrator privileges to execute some operating system (OS) commands on an affected device by executing a crafted CLI command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7203 represents a critical post-authentication command injection flaw affecting Zyxel ATP and USG FLEX series network security appliances. This vulnerability exists within firmware versions ranging from V4.60 through V5.38 across both product lines, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these devices for network protection. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker with administrator privileges to escalate their access and execute arbitrary operating system commands directly on the affected devices, fundamentally compromising the security posture of the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the command line interface of the affected Zyxel devices. When an authenticated administrator executes a crafted CLI command, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before processing it as part of the operating system command execution chain. This classic command injection vulnerability falls under CWE-77 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates post-authentication, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid administrative credentials, but once achieved, can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the device's operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected network devices. An attacker with administrator access could potentially modify firewall rules, alter network configurations, redirect traffic, or even install malicious software on the device. This could lead to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or the use of the compromised device as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed at the network perimeter, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish long-term access to critical infrastructure. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability enables techniques such as command and control through legitimate system processes, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged by threat actors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Zyxel to address the vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Administrative access should be restricted through multi-factor authentication and least privilege principles to reduce the likelihood of an attacker obtaining administrator credentials. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust access control measures for network security devices, particularly those that serve as central points of network control and monitoring.