CVE-2018-11346 in AS6202T ADM
Summary
by MITRE
An insecure direct object reference vulnerability in download.cgi in ASUSTOR AS6202T ADM 3.1.0.RFQ3 allows the ability to reference the "download_sys_settings" action and then specify files arbitrarily throughout the system via the act parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11346 represents a critical insecure direct object reference flaw in the ASUSTOR AS6202T ADM 3.1.0.RFQ3 firmware system. This vulnerability exists within the download.cgi script which handles file download operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources through improper input validation. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes the "download_sys_settings" action, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the act parameter to target arbitrary files across the system filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which describes improper access control mechanisms, and more specifically aligns with CWE-22 which addresses path traversal attacks through improper input validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls by directly referencing system files through the download.cgi interface. When the act parameter is manipulated, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, enabling attackers to traverse the filesystem and access sensitive configuration files, system logs, or other protected resources. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper authorization checks and input sanitization, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that should normally be restricted to authorized users only. This creates a significant risk of information disclosure and potential system compromise through exposure of sensitive system data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system configuration files and potentially sensitive data stored within the ASUSTOR device. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to obtain system settings, user credentials, or other confidential information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the administrative management interface of the device, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions and creating opportunities for privilege escalation or complete system compromise. This weakness directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the system's data protection mechanisms and violates fundamental security principles of access control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization within the download.cgi script to prevent arbitrary file access. System administrators should apply the latest firmware updates provided by ASUSTOR to address this specific vulnerability, as the vendor would have implemented proper access controls and parameter validation. Additional security measures should include network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, implementation of strong authentication mechanisms, and regular security audits of system interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the download.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper access control implementation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.