CVE-2024-9166 in Atemio AM 520 HD TitanNit
Summary
by MITRE • 09/26/2024
The device enables an unauthorized attacker to execute system commands with elevated privileges. This exploit is facilitated through the use of the 'getcommand' query within the application, allowing the attacker to gain root access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9166 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with elevated privileges. This security weakness stems from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's command processing functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the exploitation of the 'getcommand' query parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious command injection attacks. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with command injection vulnerabilities classified under CWE-77 and CWE-88, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, ultimately granting them root access to the affected system. This privilege escalation occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the 'getcommand' parameter before executing it as a system command. The attack vector suggests that the application processes user input directly through shell execution functions, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary commands that execute with the highest system privileges. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as attackers can manipulate system resources, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access through the elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9166 extends beyond immediate system compromise, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected device. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for comprehensive system manipulation including but not limited to data exfiltration, system configuration modification, and the installation of persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the application's interface. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpretation, where adversaries leverage system interfaces to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability's potential for lateral movement within networks increases the risk of broader compromise when multiple devices share similar configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9166 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in system command execution contexts. The application should be redesigned to avoid direct shell command execution with user input, instead implementing safe API calls or using parameterized command execution methods. Access controls must be strengthened to ensure that only authorized users can access the affected functionality, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced. Additionally, input filtering should be implemented to reject potentially dangerous characters and sequences that could be used for command injection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, as well as implementation of security headers and application firewalls to provide additional defense layers. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that the implemented mitigations remain effective against evolving attack techniques.