CVE-2018-10173 in Management Console
Summary
by MITRE
Digital Guardian Management Console 7.1.2.0015 allows authenticated remote code execution because of Arbitrary File Upload functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10173 affects the Digital Guardian Management Console version 7.1.2.0015, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote code execution through improper file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from the application's implementation of arbitrary file upload functionality that lacks adequate validation and sanitization measures. The flaw exists within the console's file processing pipeline where authenticated users can upload files without proper restrictions on file types or content validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files from untrusted sources without proper validation. The attack vector requires an authenticated user context, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit this weakness, though the impact remains severe once achieved. The management console's file upload functionality appears to accept files with potentially dangerous extensions or content without implementing robust security controls such as file type checking, content analysis, or secure storage mechanisms. This allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be executed within the application's execution context, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Digital Guardian's endpoint protection platform, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code on the management server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would likely map to T1059.007 for remote code execution and potentially T1078 for valid accounts usage, as the attack requires legitimate authentication credentials. Organizations utilizing this management console face heightened risk of advanced persistent threats where attackers can establish backdoors or deploy additional malware through the compromised upload functionality.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2018-10173 requires immediate implementation of multiple security controls to address the root cause. Organizations should first apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that fix the file upload validation mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the management console to only authorized personnel. The solution involves enforcing strict file type validation, implementing content analysis for uploaded files, and ensuring proper file storage with restricted execution permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities or attempts to execute uploaded files, while regular security assessments should verify that the patched implementation correctly prevents unauthorized file execution. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.