CVE-2018-11344 in AS6202T ADM
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal vulnerability in download.cgi in ASUSTOR AS6202T ADM 3.1.0.RFQ3 allows attackers to arbitrarily specify a file on the system to download via the file1 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11344 represents a critical path traversal flaw in the ASUSTOR AS6202T ADM 3.1.0.RFQ3 firmware system. This vulnerability exists within the download.cgi script which processes file download requests through the file1 parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the download process and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in network-attached storage devices where the attack surface includes not only system files but also potentially confidential user data stored on the device.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. The attack vector leverages the lack of proper path validation in the download.cgi script, enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. The vulnerability can be exploited by appending directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to the file1 parameter, allowing access to files outside the intended download directory. This weakness fundamentally undermines the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where ASUSTOR devices are deployed. The impact is particularly severe given that ASUSTOR devices are typically used in enterprise and home network environments where they may store sensitive data and serve as central points for file sharing and storage management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain access to system configuration files, authentication credentials, and potentially execute arbitrary code if the device allows script execution or has other vulnerable components. Network administrators and security professionals should recognize that this vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers without authentication, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in network-attached storage systems. The attack could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to network resources that the device manages or serves. Organizations using ASUSTOR ADM systems should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, including potential compliance violations and data breach risks, especially in regulated environments where data protection and access control are critical requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11344 should include immediate firmware updates from ASUSTOR to address the path traversal vulnerability, followed by network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure. Security teams should implement proper input validation at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied file paths are properly sanitized and validated against a whitelist of acceptable files. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious download patterns and unusual file access requests. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components. The implementation of web application firewalls and proper logging mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection and detection capabilities for such path traversal attacks, aligning with defensive strategies recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Path Traversal. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing the exploitation of such vulnerabilities, ensuring rapid identification, containment, and remediation of affected systems.