CVE-2024-5196
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in Arris VAP2500 routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via command injection in the /tools_command.php file. Attackers can exploit this to gain unauthorized access and control of affected devices. All users running vulnerable versions of Arris VAP2500 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Arris VAP2500
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, intercept traffic, or use the device for botnet activities.
Likely Case
Unauthorized command execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, or network reconnaissance.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit details are available in GitHub repositories, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with basic skills.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check Arris/Commscope security advisories for updates
2. If patch becomes available, download from official vendor portal
3. Apply firmware update following vendor instructions
4. Verify update was successful
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block Access to Vulnerable Endpoint
linuxUse firewall rules or web server configuration to block access to /tools_command.php
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -m string --string "/tools_command.php" --algo bm -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -m string --string "/tools_command.php" --algo bm -j DROP
Disable Web Interface
allDisable the web management interface if not required
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected devices in isolated network zones with strict firewall rules
- Implement network-based intrusion detection to monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if device responds to HTTP requests containing command injection payloads at /tools_command.php endpointCheck Version:
Check web interface login page or admin panel for firmware version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Test if command injection attempts are blocked or no longer execute commands📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /tools_command.php with suspicious parameters
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by tools_command.php access
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /tools_command.php containing shell metacharacters
- Outbound connections from device to unknown IPs following web interface access
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/tools_command.php" AND (param="cmb_header" OR param="txt_command") AND (value="|" OR value="$" OR value="&" OR value=";")🔗 References
- https://github.com/h0e4a0r1t/h0e4a0r1t.github.io/blob/master/2024/a%2B%26%5BE4%3Flp5%3Fk9_%3D%5D/ARRIS_VAP2500-RCE-tools_command.php.pdf
- https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.265833
- https://vuldb.com/?id.265833
- https://vuldb.com/?submit.335254
- https://github.com/h0e4a0r1t/h0e4a0r1t.github.io/blob/master/2024/a%2B%26%5BE4%3Flp5%3Fk9_%3D%5D/ARRIS_VAP2500-RCE-tools_command.php.pdf
- https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.265833
- https://vuldb.com/?id.265833
- https://vuldb.com/?submit.335254
