CVE-2017-8185 in ME906s-158
Summary
by MITRE
ME906s-158 earlier than ME906S_Installer_13.1805.10.3 versions has a privilege elevation vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to modify the configuration information containing malicious files and trick users into executing the files, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8185 affects the ME906s-158 device firmware version prior to ME906S_Installer_13.1805.10.3, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that fundamentally undermines system security. This vulnerability resides within the device's installation and configuration mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to elevate their privileges beyond normal operational boundaries. The flaw specifically targets the configuration handling processes that govern how system files are managed and executed, allowing unauthorized modifications to critical system components that should normally be protected from user interference. The vulnerability manifests through insufficient access controls and inadequate validation of configuration data, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate system behavior through seemingly legitimate configuration updates.
The technical exploitation of this privilege escalation vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the installer process and configuration file handling mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious configuration files that, when processed by the vulnerable installer, trigger unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. This process typically involves bypassing standard authentication and authorization checks that should prevent non-privileged users from modifying core system components. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at a foundational level within the device's software architecture, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate their compromise to full system control. The configuration information containing malicious files can be delivered through various attack vectors including compromised update channels, social engineering tactics, or direct physical access to the device, making the exploitation surface quite broad.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates severe security implications for organizations relying on ME906s-158 devices, particularly in environments where these devices might be deployed in critical infrastructure or sensitive operational contexts. The ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges means that attackers could potentially install backdoors, modify system logs, disable security features, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's presence in the installer component makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine system updates or maintenance operations when users might be more likely to trust the installation process. Organizations using these devices face risks of data breaches, system compromise, and potential cascading effects if these devices are part of larger network infrastructures, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8185 must prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions ME906S_Installer_13.1805.10.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the privilege escalation flaw. System administrators should implement strict access controls and audit procedures for all configuration updates, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify system parameters. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual configuration changes or unauthorized code execution attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes inadequate privileges and access control mechanisms, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through installation packages. Organizations should also consider implementing integrity checking mechanisms for configuration files and establishing secure update protocols that validate the authenticity and integrity of all installation packages before deployment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable firmware in the network infrastructure.