CVE-2021-40870
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to upload malicious files and execute arbitrary code on Aviatrix Controller systems via path traversal. It affects Aviatrix Controller 6.x installations before version 6.5-1804.1922, potentially compromising the entire controller infrastructure.
💻 Affected Systems
- Aviatrix Controller
📦 What is this software?
Controller by Aviatrix
Controller by Aviatrix
Controller by Aviatrix
Controller by Aviatrix
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to gain control of the Aviatrix Controller, potentially disrupting network operations and accessing sensitive configuration data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls, though the vulnerability still exists in the software.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code is available, making this easily weaponizable by attackers with minimal technical skill.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.5-1804.1922 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://docs.aviatrix.com/HowTos/UCC_Release_Notes.html#security-note-9-11-2021
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current configuration. 2. Download and install Aviatrix Controller version 6.5-1804.1922 or later from the official portal. 3. Restart the controller service. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
linuxRestrict network access to Aviatrix Controller to only trusted IP addresses using firewall rules.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s trusted_ip_range -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Aviatrix Controller from untrusted networks
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal and file upload attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Aviatrix Controller version via the web interface or CLI. If version is 6.x and lower than 6.5-1804.1922, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
aviatrix_controller --version or check the web interface dashboardVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the controller version is 6.5-1804.1922 or higher and test that file upload functionality properly validates file types and paths.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file upload attempts to controller endpoints
- Path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
- Execution of unexpected system commands
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from the controller
- File upload requests to controller from unauthenticated sources
SIEM Query:
source="aviatrix_controller" AND (http_uri="*../*" OR http_method="POST" AND http_uri="*/upload*")🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164461/Aviatrix-Controller-6.x-Path-Traversal-Code-Execution.html
- https://docs.aviatrix.com/HowTos/UCC_Release_Notes.html#security-note-9-11-2021
- https://wearetradecraft.com/advisories/tc-2021-0002/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164461/Aviatrix-Controller-6.x-Path-Traversal-Code-Execution.html
- https://docs.aviatrix.com/HowTos/UCC_Release_Notes.html#security-note-9-11-2021
- https://wearetradecraft.com/advisories/tc-2021-0002/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-40870
