CVE-2015-6024
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on NetCommWireless HSPA 3G10WVE wireless routers by injecting shell metacharacters into the DIA_IPADDRESS parameter of ping.cgi. Attackers with valid credentials can achieve remote code execution with root privileges. Organizations using affected router firmware versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- NetCommWireless HSPA 3G10WVE wireless router
📦 What is this software?
Hspa 3g10wve Firmware by Netcommwireless
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the router allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, and use the device for further attacks.
Likely Case
Attackers with stolen or default credentials gain full control of the router, enabling traffic monitoring, DNS hijacking, and credential theft from connected devices.
If Mitigated
With strong authentication and network segmentation, impact is limited to the router itself without lateral movement to other systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Multiple public exploit scripts exist. Attack requires authentication but default credentials are commonly used. Shell metacharacter injection is straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3G10WVE-L101-S306ETS-C01_R05 or later
Vendor Advisory: Not publicly available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from NetCommWireless support site. 2. Log into router admin interface. 3. Navigate to firmware update section. 4. Upload and apply new firmware. 5. Reboot router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote administration
allPrevent external access to router web interface
Navigate to router admin interface > Security > Remote Management > Disable
Change default credentials
allUse strong, unique passwords for router admin access
Navigate to router admin interface > Administration > Change Password
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate router on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules limiting inbound/outbound connections
- Implement network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under System Status or About pageCheck Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/cgi-bin/version.cgi or check web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is 3G10WVE-L101-S306ETS-C01_R05 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CGI script access patterns
- ping.cgi requests with special characters in parameters
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains from router
- Unexpected SSH/Telnet connections to router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (uri="*ping.cgi*" AND (param="*;*" OR param="*|*" OR param="*`*"))🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136901/NetCommWireless-HSPA-3G10WVE-Authentication-Bypass-Code-Execution.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/May/13
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/May/18
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/538263/100/0/threaded
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/538297/100/0/threaded
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39762/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136901/NetCommWireless-HSPA-3G10WVE-Authentication-Bypass-Code-Execution.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/May/13
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/May/18
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/538263/100/0/threaded
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/538297/100/0/threaded
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39762/
