CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-8073NVD status: Analyzed

Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

CVE-2024-8073 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall from Hillstone Networks, 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. Affected Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall versions: 2.6.7 through 2.8.13. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on hillstonenet.com.cn for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Hillstone NetworksHillstone Networks Web Application Firewall2.6.7 through 2.8.13Not stated
Hillstonenetweb_application_firewall5.5r6-2.6.7 through 5.5R6-2.8.13Not stated

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 systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalCNA (hillstonenet.com)
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD

Official description

Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Hillstone Networks Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall on 5.5R6 allows Command Injection.This issue affects Hillstone Networks Web Application Firewall: from 5.5R6-2.6.7 through 5.5R6-2.8.13.

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: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.