Source: cve@mitre.org
op5config/welcome in system-op5config before 2.0.3 in op5 Monitor and op5 Appliance before 5.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the password parameter.
Remote code execution (RCE) is possible on vulnerable op5 Monitor and op5 Appliance systems due to a flaw in the op5config/welcome component. Attackers can inject malicious commands through the password parameter, leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration or system takeover.
Step 1: Target Identification: An attacker identifies a vulnerable op5 Monitor or op5 Appliance instance, likely through port scanning or vulnerability scanning.
Step 2: Payload Crafting: The attacker crafts a malicious payload containing shell metacharacters (e.g., ;, |, &&, ||) and the desired command to be executed. This command could be a reverse shell, a command to download and execute malware, or a command to exfiltrate sensitive data.
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request to the op5config/welcome endpoint, including the malicious payload within the password parameter.
Step 4: Command Execution: The vulnerable application processes the request, incorporating the attacker-supplied password into a system command without proper sanitization. The shell metacharacters in the payload are interpreted by the shell, leading to the execution of the attacker's injected command.
Step 5: System Compromise: The attacker's command executes, achieving the attacker's objectives, such as gaining a reverse shell, installing a backdoor, or stealing data.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the password parameter within the op5config/welcome component. Specifically, the application fails to properly escape or filter shell metacharacters before passing the user-supplied password to a system command. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands, which are then executed with the privileges of the web server process. The root cause is a lack of secure coding practices, specifically a failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding to prevent command injection. This is a classic example of a command injection vulnerability.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to this specific CVE, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. Given the potential for complete system compromise, it could be leveraged by groups seeking to establish a foothold for data theft, ransomware deployment, or long-term espionage. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV at this time, but given the potential impact, it is a candidate for inclusion.
Network traffic analysis: Look for unusual HTTP requests to the op5config/welcome endpoint, particularly those containing suspicious characters in the password parameter (e.g., semicolons, pipes, ampersands).
Web server logs: Examine web server access logs for requests to op5config/welcome with unusually long or complex password parameters. Also, look for evidence of command execution, such as unexpected processes spawned by the web server.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) / Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) rules: Implement rules to detect and block malicious payloads containing shell metacharacters in HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint.
File integrity monitoring: Monitor critical system files for unauthorized modifications, especially those related to the web server and the op5 Monitor/Appliance configuration.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitor endpoint activity for suspicious processes, network connections, and file modifications that may indicate exploitation.
Upgrade to the latest version of op5 Monitor or op5 Appliance (version 2.0.3 or later for op5config and 5.5.3 or later for the Appliance).
Implement input validation: Ensure that the password parameter is properly validated to prevent the injection of shell metacharacters. This includes whitelisting allowed characters and escaping or encoding any potentially dangerous characters.
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements: When interacting with databases, use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities, which can be related to this type of vulnerability.
Principle of Least Privilege: Run the web server process with the minimum necessary privileges to reduce the impact of a successful exploit.
Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter malicious requests and prevent command injection attacks.
Regular security audits and penetration testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement a robust patching and update management process to ensure that all systems are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches.