CVE-2018-11080 in Secure Remote Services
Summary
by MITRE
Dell EMC Secure Remote Services, versions prior to 3.32.00.08, contains Improper File Permission Vulnerabilities. The application contains multiple configuration files with world-readable permissions that could allow an authenticated malicious user to utilize the file contents to potentially elevate their privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11080 affects Dell EMC Secure Remote Services software versions prior to 3.32.00.08, representing a critical security flaw in the permission management of configuration files within the application. This issue stems from improper file permission settings that grant world-readable access to sensitive configuration files, creating an avenue for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability manifests in the application's failure to properly restrict file access permissions, allowing unauthorized users to read critical system configuration data. Security researchers have categorized this as an improper file permission vulnerability, which aligns with CWE-732, an inadequate permissions model that allows incorrect access to files and directories. The affected Dell EMC Secure Remote Services application maintains configuration files with overly permissive settings, specifically enabling world-read access that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated malicious user accesses configuration files that contain sensitive information such as authentication credentials, system parameters, or cryptographic keys. These files typically store critical system data that should only be accessible to authorized system administrators or specific service accounts. The world-readable permissions allow any user with access to the system to read these files, potentially exposing sensitive configuration details that could be leveraged to compromise the system further. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where file access controls are not properly enforced. The configuration files in question may contain database connection strings, API keys, encryption parameters, or other sensitive data that, when exposed, could enable attackers to establish persistence, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to underlying systems. This vulnerability creates a path for attackers to gather intelligence about the system configuration, which can then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11080 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire system integrity. An authenticated malicious user with access to the Secure Remote Services application can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially allowing them to perform administrative functions, access restricted data, or modify system configurations. The exposure of configuration files containing sensitive information creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance, identify system weaknesses, and plan further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Dell EMC Secure Remote Services for system management and remote access, as it undermines the trust model of the application and creates potential attack vectors for lateral movement within network environments. The impact is amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects systems where multiple users have access, as any authenticated user can potentially exploit the flaw. The security implications extend to compliance requirements and regulatory standards that mandate proper access controls and data protection measures.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address the improper file permissions. The primary remediation involves updating Dell EMC Secure Remote Services to version 3.32.00.08 or later, which includes proper file permission controls and access restrictions. System administrators should also manually verify and correct file permissions on existing configuration files, ensuring that sensitive files are not world-readable and that appropriate access controls are enforced. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits of file permissions, implementation of automated monitoring tools to detect unauthorized access attempts, and establishment of proper access control policies. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation, privilege escalation controls, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and implement defense-in-depth strategies that include file integrity monitoring, access control enforcement, and regular security training for system administrators to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their infrastructure.