CVE-2022-46649
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users of Sierra Wireless ALEOS Acemanager to manipulate IP logging operations to execute arbitrary shell commands on affected devices. This is an OS command injection vulnerability affecting Sierra Wireless routers and gateways running ALEOS before version 4.16. Attackers with valid credentials can achieve remote code execution on vulnerable devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Sierra Wireless AirLink routers and gateways with Acemanager
📦 What is this software?
Aleos by Sierrawireless
Aleos by Sierrawireless
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, intercept/modify network traffic, or render devices inoperable.
Likely Case
Attackers with stolen or default credentials gain full control of affected devices, enabling network reconnaissance, traffic interception, and lateral movement.
If Mitigated
Limited to authenticated users only, with proper credential management and network segmentation reducing attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials but is straightforward once authenticated. Public technical details and proof-of-concept information available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: ALEOS 4.16 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.sierrawireless.com/resources/security-bulletins/sierra-wireless-technical-bulletin---swi-psa-2023-001/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download ALEOS 4.16+ firmware from Sierra Wireless support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload and install firmware via Acemanager web interface. 4. Reboot device. 5. Verify version is 4.16 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Acemanager access
allDisable Acemanager web interface if not required for operations
# Via CLI: configure terminal
# no service acemanager
Restrict network access
allLimit access to Acemanager interface to trusted IP addresses only
# Configure firewall rules to restrict access to Acemanager port (typically 443)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Change all default credentials and enforce strong password policies for Acemanager accounts
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Sierra Wireless devices from critical internal networks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ALEOS version via Acemanager web interface (System > About) or CLI command 'show version'Check Version:
show version | include ALEOSVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm ALEOS version is 4.16 or higher and test IP logging functionality for command injection📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shell command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful authentication and IP logging operations
- Unexpected processes spawned from Acemanager
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Sierra Wireless devices
- Traffic patterns inconsistent with normal operations
SIEM Query:
source="sierra_wireless" AND (event="command_execution" OR event="shell_spawn") OR (auth_success AND resource="acemanager" AND subsequent_event="ip_logging")🔗 References
- https://source.sierrawireless.com/resources/security-bulletins/sierra-wireless-technical-bulletin---swi-psa-2023-001/
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-23-026-04
- https://www.otorio.com/blog/airlink-acemanager-vulnerabilities/
- https://source.sierrawireless.com/resources/security-bulletins/sierra-wireless-technical-bulletin---swi-psa-2023-001/
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-23-026-04
- https://www.otorio.com/blog/airlink-acemanager-vulnerabilities/
