CVE-2018-5553
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on Crestron devices via the Crestron Console service. It affects DGE-100, DM-DGE-200-C, and TS-1542-C devices running vulnerable firmware versions with default configuration. Attackers can gain complete control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Crestron DGE-100
- Crestron DM-DGE-200-C
- Crestron TS-1542-C
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of device with root access, allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, or disrupt operations.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, or deployment of malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated from untrusted networks and patched promptly.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit code is publicly available. Attack requires network access to Crestron Console service (port 41795/TCP by default).
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware versions above 1.3384.00049.001
Vendor Advisory: https://support.crestron.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/5471
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from Crestron support portal. 2. Upload firmware to device via web interface. 3. Apply update. 4. Reboot device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
linuxRestrict network access to Crestron Console service (port 41795/TCP)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 41795 -j DROP
Service Disablement
linuxDisable Crestron Console service if not required
systemctl stop crestron-console
systemctl disable crestron-console
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network segmentation to prevent lateral movement from compromised devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface or SSH. If version is 1.3384.00049.001 or lower, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
cat /etc/version or check via web interface System Information pageVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is above 1.3384.00049.001. Test command injection via known exploit methods.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process execution via Crestron Console service
- Failed authentication attempts on port 41795
- Suspicious command strings in service logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected connections to port 41795/TCP
- Command injection patterns in network traffic
SIEM Query:
source_port:41795 AND (command:* OR shell:* OR exec:*)🔗 References
- https://blog.rapid7.com/2018/06/12/r7-2018-15-cve-2018-5553-crestron-dge-100-console-command-injection-fixed/
- https://support.crestron.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/5471/~/the-latest-details-from-crestron-on-security-and-safety-on-the-internet#CVE%C2%AD-2018%C2%AD-5553
- https://blog.rapid7.com/2018/06/12/r7-2018-15-cve-2018-5553-crestron-dge-100-console-command-injection-fixed/
- https://support.crestron.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/5471/~/the-latest-details-from-crestron-on-security-and-safety-on-the-internet#CVE%C2%AD-2018%C2%AD-5553
