CVE-2026-44097 in CHARX SEC-3150
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
A low-privileged remote attacker with "operator" access can upload arbitrary files via the REST endpoint intended for firmware updates, resulting in persistent storage of attacker-controlled files and potentially exhausting resources, which might lead to Denial-of-Service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in firmware update mechanisms that allows unauthorized file uploads through a designated REST API endpoint. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and access control enforcement within the system's authentication framework, enabling attackers with minimal privileges to bypass intended security boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when an operator-level user attempts to upload files through what should be a restricted administrative function, yet the system fails to properly validate file types, content, or source authenticity.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of file upload parameters within the REST endpoint handling firmware updates. This weakness creates a path for arbitrary code execution and persistent storage of malicious payloads within the target system's filesystem. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload scenarios where applications accept files without proper validation, allowing attackers to upload potentially harmful content. Additionally, this issue demonstrates characteristics of CWE-22 related to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, as the uploaded files may be stored in locations accessible to the system's operating environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file placement, creating potential for resource exhaustion and system instability. Attackers can upload large files or multiple files that consume available storage space, leading to denial-of-service conditions that prevent legitimate operations from functioning properly. The persistent nature of these uploaded files means they remain on the system until manually removed, providing attackers with a foothold for continued access. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation if the system processes these uploaded files without proper sandboxing or execution restrictions.
From an adversarial perspective, this weakness maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access points through file uploads that can serve as delivery mechanisms for additional malware or backdoors. Network-based attacks leveraging this flaw can occur without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices are exposed to external networks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation at multiple layers including content type checking, file size limitations, and strict file extension filtering. Access control mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that only authorized administrative users can access firmware update endpoints, with proper authentication and authorization checks enforced for each request. Additionally, implementing upload quotas, automatic file scanning for malicious content, and proper file system permissions can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security testing including penetration testing of API endpoints should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by adversaries. The system should also implement proper logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.