External risk intelligence

SonicWall SMA Appliances: Remote Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-20038

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affects SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances. This allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute code on the appliance. Business risk includes potential data compromise and unauthorized network access.

5Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Sonicwall Sma 200 Firmware

10.2.0.8-37sv10.2.1.1-19sv10.2.1.2-24sv

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-20038

This vulnerability affects SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances, which are designed as edge gateways and remote access solutions meant to be internet-facing to provide secure connectivity for remote users.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Apache httpd server's mod_cgi module within SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute code on the appliance. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized control of the affected device, enabling attackers to install malware, intercept sensitive data, or access protected internal networks. This could result in a significant compromise of organizational security and data integrity.

  • Vulnerable SMA 100 appliances.
  • Flaw allows remote code execution.
  • Business impact includes data compromise.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability impacts SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances by allowing remote, unauthenticated attackers to execute code. The attack exploits a buffer overflow in the Apache httpd server's mod_cgi module when handling environment variables. Successful exploitation grants the attacker control as a 'nobody' user on the appliance.

  • Exposure: Internet-facing appliance.
  • Attacker access: Send crafted HTTP request.
  • Trigger and result: Overflow buffer, gain code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a critical risk, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely on affected SonicWall appliances. The exploitation does not require sophisticated skills and can lead to significant compromise of the appliance's integrity and confidentiality. Given the potential for widespread impact and the known exploitation, organizations should prioritize addressing this issue.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to potentially execute code on the appliance. Organizations should address this risk by identifying affected assets, mitigating exposure, applying vendor-provided fixes, validating the implementation, and monitoring for related activity.

  • Identify affected SonicWall SMA appliances.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What are SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances and their function?

SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances, including models like SMA 200, 210, 400, 410, and 500v, serve as edge gateways and remote access solutions. They enable users to securely connect to an organization's network from external locations.

How does CVE-2021-20038 enable code execution on SonicWall SMA appliances?

CVE-2021-20038 is a stack-based buffer overflow weakness in the Apache httpd server's mod_cgi module. When handling environment variables, this flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to overwrite memory and execute arbitrary code as a 'nobody' user on the appliance.

What weakness class does CVE-2021-20038 fall under, and how is it triggered?

CVE-2021-20038 is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121). It is triggered when the Apache httpd server's mod_cgi module improperly handles environment variables, allowing an attacker to overflow a buffer.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-20038 for internet-facing systems?

The relevance of CVE-2021-20038 is high for internet-facing SonicWall SMA 100 series appliances. Because these devices act as edge gateways, they are exposed to the internet, making them accessible targets for remote, unauthenticated attackers seeking to execute code.

What steps should be taken to respond to the SonicWall SMA 100 series vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all affected SonicWall SMA appliances, reduce their internet exposure if possible, and promptly apply the vendor-provided firmware updates. After patching, validate the successful implementation of the fix and implement ongoing monitoring for any suspicious activity.

References