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CVE-2021-28149: Medium Vulnerability in Hongdian H8922 Firmware

CVE-2021-28149 reveals a medium-severity directory traversal vulnerability in Hongdian H8922 devices. Attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive files. Immediate patching is recommended to mitigate risks.

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5 · Published May 6, 2021

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CVE-2021-28149 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Hongdian H8922 devices running firmware version 3.0.5. This vulnerability allows Directory Traversal via the /log_download.cgi log export handler, which does not properly validate user input. An attacker with minimal privileges can exploit this flaw to download any file from the device by manipulating the file path, such as using ../ to traverse directories. For example, an attacker could access sensitive files like /etc/passwd by crafting a request to log_download.cgi?type=../../etc/passwd.

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations using affected devices should be aware of the potential risks and take immediate action to remediate this vulnerability.

As of now, there is no known public exploit for CVE-2021-28149, but the nature of the vulnerability suggests that attackers may attempt to leverage it in the wild. Organizations utilizing the Hongdian H8922 devices should prioritize patching to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Organizations should address this vulnerability promptly, focusing on the necessary patches or updates provided by the vendor. Delaying remediation could expose systems to unnecessary risks.

Vulnerability Details

The Hongdian H8922 firmware version 3.0.5 is vulnerable due to insufficient input validation within the /log_download.cgi log export handler. Attack Vector for this issue is NETWORK, with a low attack complexity, requiring only low privileges and no user interaction. The confidentiality impact is rated as HIGH, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as NONE.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the failure of the log export handler to validate user input properly. This oversight allows attackers to exploit the directory traversal flaw, enabling them to access files outside the intended directory.

The attack vector is primarily through a web interface, requiring minimal privileges to execute the request. As a result, the attack complexity is low, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability without significant effort.

No user interaction is required to carry out the attack, and the potential confidentiality impact is high, as attackers may gain access to sensitive information. The integrity and availability impacts are rated as none.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive files, which could lead to data breaches or exposure of confidential information. The potential blast radius of this vulnerability is significant, as it affects any organization using the affected firmware without appropriate security measures.

Given the CVSS score of 6.5, organizations are advised to address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Timely remediation is essential to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected version of the Hongdian H8922 firmware is 3.0.5. Organizations using this version should take immediate action to update to the latest version provided by the vendor. If version information is not available, organizations should assume that all versions prior to the vendor patch are affected.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize patching the Hongdian H8922 firmware to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-28149. Ensure that devices are updated to the latest firmware version provided by the vendor.

In cases where a patch is not immediately available, organizations can implement workarounds to restrict access to the log export functionality, or apply network controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

For more information on penetration testing and security assessments, organizations can explore our penetration testing services to validate the effectiveness of remediation efforts.

Detection Guidance

To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for any unusual access patterns to the /log_download.cgi endpoint. Look for requests that include directory traversal patterns such as ../ in the URL.

Additionally, monitor for unauthorized file access attempts and any changes to user permissions that may indicate an ongoing attack.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2021-28149 serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in web applications. Security teams should continuously evaluate their security posture and implement rigorous testing practices to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

This vulnerability exemplifies trends in directory traversal attacks, highlighting the need for comprehensive security assessments. Organizations should consider adopting a proactive approach to application security by engaging in vulnerability management programs that can effectively address such issues.

For in-depth discussions on red teaming and security testing, organizations can refer to our red teaming services and explore best practices in securing web applications.

Finally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and conduct regular security assessments to enhance their resilience against future vulnerabilities.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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