CVE-2022-50796
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on SOUND4 IMPACT/FIRST/PULSE/Eco systems by exploiting a path traversal flaw in the firmware upload functionality. Attackers can upload malicious files that get executed with www-data permissions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations using these SOUND4 products with firmware version 2.x or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- SOUND4 IMPACT
- SOUND4 FIRST
- SOUND4 PULSE
- SOUND4 Eco
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover, data exfiltration, ransomware deployment, and lateral movement to other network systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of backdoors, and disruption of audio/video systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code is available on Packet Storm Security. The vulnerability requires minimal technical skill to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://www.sound4.com/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Contact SOUND4 vendor for firmware updates. Check vendor website for security advisories and updated firmware versions.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block upload.cgi access
allUse web server configuration or firewall rules to block access to the vulnerable upload.cgi script
# For Apache: RewriteRule ^/upload\.cgi$ - [F]
# For nginx: location ~ /upload\.cgi { deny all; }
# For iptables: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -m string --string "upload.cgi" --algo bm -j DROP
Disable firmware upload functionality
allRemove or disable the firmware upload feature through system configuration if not required
# Check system documentation for disabling upload functionality
# May require modifying web server configuration or application settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems in a separate network segment with strict firewall rules
- Implement network-based intrusion detection to monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if the system responds to requests to /upload.cgi and if firmware version is 2.x or earlier. Test with a harmless file upload attempt using path traversal techniques.Check Version:
Check web interface system information page or use vendor-specific CLI commands if availableVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that upload.cgi is no longer accessible or that path traversal attempts are blocked. Confirm firmware version has been updated beyond 2.x.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed upload attempts
- Unusual file uploads to upload.cgi
- Path traversal patterns in web logs
- Unexpected file creations in system directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /upload.cgi with suspicious filenames
- Traffic patterns indicating file uploads to embedded systems
- Unusual outbound connections from SOUND4 devices
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="/upload.cgi" OR uri="*upload.cgi*") AND (method="POST" OR filename="*../*")🔗 References
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/247951
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/170268/SOUND4-IMPACT-FIRST-PULSE-Eco-2.x-upload.cgi-Code-Execution.html
- https://www.sound4.com/
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/sound-impactfirstpulseeco-x-unauthenticated-remote-code-execution-via-uploadcgi
- https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2022-5741.php
