UniFi Network Application: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2024-27981 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in UniFi Network Application from Ubiquiti, 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 8.1.113 as the first without the flaw, so updating UniFi Network Application to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update UniFi Network Application to 8.1.113 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on community.ui.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti | UniFi Network Application | 8.1.113 up to, but not including, 8.1.113; before 8.1.113 | 8.1.113 |
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 CISA (ADP).
Official description
A Command Injection vulnerability found in a Self-Hosted UniFi Network Servers (Linux) with UniFi Network Application (Version 8.0.28 and earlier) allows a malicious actor with UniFi Network Application Administrator credentials to escalate privileges to root on the host device. Affected Products: UniFi Network Application (Version 8.0.28 and earlier) . Mitigation: Update UniFi Network Application to Version 8.1.113 or later.
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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in UniFi Network Application
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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