CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-43477NVD status: Modified

Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000): Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-43477 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000) from Telstra, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 0.18.15r as the first without the flaw, so updating Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 17.7% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 2.8% of all scored CVEs.

Patch this week

EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.

What to do

  1. Update Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000) to 0.18.15r or a later version.
  2. Update arcadyan_lh1000 to 0.18.15r or a later version.
  3. Update Arcadyan Lh1000 Firmware to 0.18.15r or a later version.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
TelstraSmart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000)before 0.18.15r0.18.15r
Telstraarcadyan_lh1000before 0.18.15r0.18.15r
TelstraArcadyan Lh1000 Firmwarebefore 0.18.15r0.18.15r

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.16.8MediumCNA (tenable.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

Official description

The ping_from parameter of ping_tracerte.cgi in the web UI of Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000), firmware versions < 0.18.15r, was not properly sanitized before being used in a system call, which could allow an authenticated attacker to achieve command injection as root on the device.

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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000)

All Smart Modem Gen 2 (Arcadyan LH1000) vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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