CVE-2018-10691 in AWK-3121
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Moxa AWK-3121 1.14 devices. It is intended that an administrator can download /systemlog.log (the system log). However, the same functionality allows an attacker to download the file without any authentication or authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10691 affects Moxa AWK-3121 devices running firmware version 1.14, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the device's security architecture. This issue stems from improper authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface, where the system log file download functionality has been inadvertently exposed to unauthorized users. The vulnerability exists because the device fails to properly validate user credentials or roles before permitting access to sensitive system files, creating a privilege escalation path that allows any remote attacker to obtain system logs without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic failure in input validation and access control enforcement, aligning with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in security-critical functions. The device's web server component appears to lack proper session management and authentication checks when processing requests for the /systemlog.log file path, enabling attackers to directly access this sensitive information through simple HTTP requests. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where administrative functions are accessible to unauthenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as system logs typically contain sensitive operational data including user activities, system events, configuration changes, and potentially credential information or system vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this access to gain intelligence about the device's operational environment, identify potential attack vectors, and understand the network topology through log entries. This information disclosure could facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including targeted exploitation of other system weaknesses or social engineering campaigns based on the gathered information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1005 (Data from Local System).
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms and access controls within the device's web interface. Network administrators should immediately update the device firmware to the latest version provided by Moxa, as this vulnerability is likely addressed through patched authentication routines. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control lists can limit exposure of the device to untrusted networks, while disabling unnecessary services and ports reduces the attack surface. Regular security audits should verify that all administrative functions require proper authentication and authorization before execution, ensuring that sensitive files remain protected through appropriate access controls and privilege management. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust authentication design and the need for comprehensive security testing of network device interfaces.