CVE-2017-8894 in AeroAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
AeroAdmin 4.1 uses an insecure protocol (HTTP) to perform software updates. An attacker can hijack an update via man-in-the-middle in order to execute code in the machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8894 affects AeroAdmin 4.1 software which employs an insecure communication protocol during the software update process. This represents a significant security flaw that directly violates fundamental principles of secure software distribution and network communication. The use of unencrypted HTTP protocol for critical update operations creates an exploitable attack surface that adversaries can leverage to compromise target systems.
This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper cryptographic protection during software update transmission, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks as classified under CWE-319. The insecure protocol implementation allows attackers positioned between the client and update server to intercept, modify, or replace legitimate update files with malicious content. The flaw specifically manifests in the update mechanism where AeroAdmin 4.1 fails to implement secure communication channels, authentication, or integrity verification measures that are essential for protecting software distribution processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables full system compromise through the update process. Attackers can inject malicious code into the update stream, which then executes with the privileges of the target system, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for Indicator Removal on Host and T1566.001 for Phishing via Social Engineering, as it provides an automated method for delivering malicious payloads to target systems. The attack vector operates through network interception rather than direct exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional endpoint protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing secure update mechanisms that employ encrypted communication protocols such as HTTPS with proper certificate validation. Organizations should immediately disable HTTP-based update functionality and enforce secure communication channels for all software distribution activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure software delivery practices and highlights the necessity of implementing proper cryptographic controls as outlined in NIST SP 800-57 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. System administrators should also consider network-level protections such as DNS filtering and traffic inspection to detect and prevent unauthorized update traffic. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar insecure communication patterns in other software components.