CVE-2018-0545 in LXR
Summary
by MITRE
LXR version 1.0.0 to 2.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0545 affects LXR versions ranging from 1.0.0 through 2.3.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the LXR application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands. The affected software likely processes user-supplied input without adequate filtering or escaping, allowing command injection attacks to succeed. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making them attractive targets for automated attack campaigns.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common command injection weaknesses categorized under CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. These weaknesses occur when application code incorporates user-supplied data into system commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple entry points within the LXR application could be exploited, potentially including web forms, API endpoints, or parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0545 extends beyond simple command execution, as it represents a fundamental security failure that can result in complete system compromise. Organizations using affected LXR versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential system destruction, and the ability for attackers to establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for web-facing applications and services that rely on LXR for content management or documentation systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0545 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as system commands. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running affected applications with minimal necessary permissions and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms as additional protective layers against command injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in preventing remote code execution scenarios that can lead to complete system compromise.