CVE-2018-10693 in AWK-3121
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Moxa AWK-3121 1.14 devices. It provides ping functionality so that an administrator can execute ICMP calls to check if the network is working correctly. However, the same functionality allows an attacker to execute commands on the device. The POST parameter "srvName" is susceptible to a buffer overflow. By crafting a packet that contains a string of 516 characters, it is possible for an attacker to execute the attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified in Moxa AWK-3121 version 1.14 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the device's web interface administration functionality. This device operates as a network management appliance designed to provide monitoring and control capabilities for industrial networks, with the ping utility serving as a standard diagnostic tool for network connectivity verification. The implementation of this ping functionality creates an attack surface where user-supplied input is improperly validated and handled, leading to a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations within the device's processing stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the POST parameter named "srvName" which is used to specify the target server for ICMP ping requests. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing exactly 516 characters, the buffer overflow condition is triggered, allowing arbitrary code execution on the device with the privileges of the web application process. This particular buffer size threshold indicates that the device's input validation routine fails to properly bounds-check the length of the srvName parameter, enabling attackers to overwrite critical memory structures including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized control over the device's operational environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the industrial network management device. This compromised device could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, potentially allowing attackers to monitor network traffic, modify device configurations, or redirect network communications. The attack vector requires only a web browser and network connectivity to the device, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where such devices may be exposed to untrusted networks or where physical security measures are insufficient. Organizations utilizing these devices face significant risk of operational disruption, data compromise, and potential safety hazards in industrial control systems where network reliability is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the buffer overflow condition in the web interface handling code. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict direct access to administrative interfaces from untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of input validation controls and proper bounds checking for all user-supplied parameters represents a fundamental security practice that should be applied to prevent similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a technique commonly associated with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation phases, specifically targeting industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices.