CVE-2018-0637 in HC100RC
Summary
by MITRE
Aterm HC100RC Ver1.0.1 and earlier allows attacker with administrator rights to execute arbitrary OS commands via export.cgi encKey parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0637 affects Aterm HC100RC devices running firmware version 1.0.1 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary operating system commands. This vulnerability resides within the export.cgi web interface component which processes the encKey parameter without proper input validation or sanitization, creating a direct pathway for command injection attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic security oversight where user-controllable input flows directly into system command execution contexts, violating fundamental principles of secure input handling and privilege separation.
This vulnerability operates through a command injection vector that leverages the encKey parameter in the export.cgi script, allowing an attacker with administrative access to manipulate the parameter value and inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process. The issue stems from inadequate parameter validation and improper input sanitization mechanisms within the web application's command execution pipeline. According to CWE-77, this represents a command injection vulnerability where untrusted data is incorporated into operating system commands without proper escaping or filtering, making it particularly dangerous for devices that handle sensitive network configuration data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's underlying operating system, enabling them to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to network resources, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure that relies on the affected device for connectivity or management functions. The device's role as a network gateway makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could serve as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration and lateral movement attacks. Organizations relying on these devices face significant risk of data breaches, network disruption, and potential compliance violations due to the lack of proper input validation and command execution controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0637 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the command injection flaw in the export.cgi component. Network administrators must ensure that all affected devices are upgraded to versions that implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization for the encKey parameter. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, enforcing strict access controls through multi-factor authentication, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious command injection attempts, while establishing regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure components. The remediation process must include thorough testing of firmware updates to ensure compatibility and prevent service disruption while maintaining the device's operational integrity.