CVE-2018-18600

Source: cve@mitre.org

HIGH
8.1
Published: December 31, 2018 at 04:29 PM
Modified: May 6, 2025 at 07:15 PM

Vulnerability Description

The remote upgrade feature in Guardzilla GZ180 devices allow command injection via a crafted new firmware version parameter.

CVSS Metrics

Base Score
8.1
Severity
HIGH
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weaknesses (CWE)

Source: nvd@nist.gov
Source: 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0

AI Security Analysis

01 // Technical Summary

Guardzilla GZ180 devices are vulnerable to a critical command injection flaw, allowing attackers to remotely execute arbitrary commands on the device. This vulnerability, exploitable through a crafted firmware update, grants attackers complete control, potentially leading to data theft, device compromise, and network infiltration.

02 // Vulnerability Mechanism

Step 1: Target Identification: An attacker identifies a vulnerable Guardzilla GZ180 device on the network or internet.

Step 2: Payload Crafting: The attacker crafts a malicious firmware version parameter containing a command injection payload. This payload typically includes commands to download and execute a reverse shell or other malicious code. For example, the payload might include a command to download a malicious script and execute it.

Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker sends a crafted request to the device's remote upgrade endpoint, including the malicious firmware version parameter. This request tricks the device into initiating a firmware update.

Step 4: Command Execution: The device processes the request, and the crafted firmware version parameter is used to construct a system command. Due to the lack of input validation, the injected commands within the parameter are executed by the device's operating system.

Step 5: System Compromise: The injected commands are executed, allowing the attacker to gain remote access, execute arbitrary code, and potentially compromise the device and the network it resides on.

03 // Deep Technical Analysis

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation of the new firmware version parameter within the remote upgrade functionality. The device likely uses this parameter to construct a command, such as a shell command, to download and install the new firmware. By injecting malicious commands into this parameter, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the device. The root cause is a failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before passing it to a system command. This allows for the injection of shell metacharacters (e.g., ;, &, |) to execute additional commands. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization allows for command injection leading to arbitrary code execution.

04 // Exploitation Status

Likely **Public PoC** and potentially **Actively exploited**. Given the age of the vulnerability and the availability of the description, it is highly probable that proof-of-concept exploits are publicly available. The ease of exploitation makes it a prime target for attackers.

05 // Threat Intelligence

While no specific APT groups are directly linked to this CVE in public reports, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. It could be used by financially motivated groups for botnet creation or ransomware deployment. Nation-state actors could leverage it for surveillance or network access. CISA KEV status is unknown, but the criticality of the vulnerability suggests a high likelihood of inclusion if it is actively exploited.

06 // Detection & Hunting

  • Network traffic analysis: Monitor network traffic for unusual POST requests to the device's upgrade endpoint, especially those containing suspicious parameters in the firmware version field.

  • Log analysis: Review device logs for suspicious command executions or errors related to firmware updates.

  • File integrity monitoring: Monitor critical system files for unauthorized modifications.

  • Honeypots: Deploy honeypots that mimic the vulnerable device to attract and analyze attacks.

07 // Remediation & Hardening

  • Apply firmware updates: Immediately update the device firmware to the latest version provided by the vendor, which should address the vulnerability.

  • Input validation: Implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent command injection. Specifically, validate the firmware version parameter to ensure it only contains expected characters and formats.

  • Least privilege: Run the device's upgrade process with the least privileges necessary to minimize the impact of a successful exploit.

  • Network segmentation: Isolate the device on a separate network segment to limit the potential damage from a compromise.

  • Regular security audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

  • Disable remote upgrade: If remote upgrade functionality is not essential, disable it to reduce the attack surface.

08 // Affected Products

Guardzilla GZ180 devices. Specific firmware versions are likely vulnerable. Check vendor advisories for specific version ranges.

09 // Discovered Proof of Concept Links

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