iSTAR Ultra: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2022-21941 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in iSTAR Ultra from Johnson Controls, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 6.8.9.CU01 as the first without the flaw, so updating iSTAR Ultra to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.11% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 82% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update iSTAR Ultra to 6.8.9.CU01 or a later version.
- Update Istar Ultra Firmware to 6.8.9.cu01 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on johnsoncontrols.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Controls | iSTAR Ultra | all versions prior to 6.8.9.CU01 up to, but not including, 6.8.9.CU01 | 6.8.9.CU01 |
| Johnsoncontrols | Istar Ultra Firmware | before 6.8.9.cu01 | 6.8.9.cu01 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | CNA (jci.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
All versions of iSTAR Ultra prior to version 6.8.9.CU01 are vulnerable to a command injection that could allow an unauthenticated user root access to the system.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-22-242-11Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in iSTAR Ultra
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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