CVE-2017-8124 in UMA
Summary
by MITRE
The UMA product with software V200R001 has a privilege elevation vulnerability due to insufficient validation or improper processing of parameters. An attacker could craft specific packets to exploit these vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8124 affects the UMA product running software version V200R001, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that stems from inadequate parameter validation mechanisms within the system's processing architecture. This vulnerability exists within the product's authentication and authorization framework where insufficient input sanitization allows malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through crafted network packets. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied parameters that should undergo rigorous validation before being processed by the system's core functions, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation where parameter processing fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided data before executing privileged operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specific network packets that contain malformed or specially crafted parameters designed to bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability's root cause aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. These weaknesses create an environment where attacker-controlled data can influence system behavior in unintended ways, ultimately allowing privilege escalation from standard user levels to administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected UMA system. This elevated privilege level provides attackers with complete access to system resources, including the ability to modify configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure managed by the UMA product. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive knowledge, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely through network-based packet crafting, eliminating the need for physical access or local system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8124 must address the fundamental validation deficiencies within the UMA product's parameter processing mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate patches or firmware updates provided by the vendor to correct the parameter validation flaws and ensure proper input sanitization. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure to this vulnerability, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's access remains limited. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components, as this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create pathways for privilege escalation. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which focuses on exploit for privilege escalation, and emphasizes the importance of input validation as a primary defense mechanism against such attacks.