CVE-2017-10815 in MaLion
Summary
by MITRE
MaLion for Windows 5.2.1 and earlier (only when "Remote Control" is installed) and MaLion for Mac 4.0.1 to 5.2.1 (only when "Remote Control" is installed) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication to executue arbitrary commands or operations on Terminal Agent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10815 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting MaLion remote control software across both Windows and Mac platforms. This security weakness specifically manifests when the Remote Control feature is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on Terminal Agent systems without proper authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the authentication process, allowing malicious actors to circumvent the normal security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The affected versions span MaLion for Windows 5.2.1 and earlier, as well as MaLion for Mac versions 4.0.1 through 5.2.1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple operating systems and software versions. This authentication bypass vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant risk for organizations relying on remote access capabilities.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2017-10815 manifests as a failure in the authentication mechanism that should validate user credentials and permissions before granting access to system functions. When the Remote Control feature is active, the software fails to properly verify the identity of connecting users, enabling attackers to exploit this gap and gain unauthorized access to Terminal Agent operations. The vulnerability likely involves improper handling of session tokens, insufficient input validation, or flawed credential verification processes that allow attackers to inject malicious commands directly into the system. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of how weak authentication controls can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector typically involves remote exploitation through network connections, where attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass the normal authentication flow and execute commands with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary operations on compromised systems with potentially full administrative control. Once authenticated, attackers can execute commands, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The Terminal Agent component serves as a critical system interface, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with direct access to underlying system functions and resources. Organizations using MaLion remote control software face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive for cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to establish unauthorized access to target systems. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access, and T1059, which involves command and script interpreters for execution of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10815 require immediate action including the deployment of patches and updates from the software vendor, as well as the implementation of network segmentation to limit access to systems running MaLion software. Organizations should disable the Remote Control feature if it is not essential for operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Security teams must implement strict access controls and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that only authorized personnel can access Terminal Agent components. Additionally, multi-factor authentication should be implemented where possible, and network access controls should be configured to restrict access to the affected systems to only trusted IP addresses and users. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust security controls around remote access capabilities. Organizations should also conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in their systems and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation of such weaknesses.