CVE-2018-11542 in SBC 1000
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Command Execution (RCE) vulnerability in the Sonus SBC 1000 / SBC 2000 / SBC SWe Lite web interface allows for the execution of arbitrary commands via an unspecified vector. It affects the 1000 and 2000 devices 6.0.x up to Build 446, 6.1.x up to Build 492, and 7.0.x up to Build 485. It affects the SWe Lite devices 6.1.x up to Build 111 and 7.0.x up to Build 140.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2020
The CVE-2018-11542 vulnerability represents a critical remote command execution flaw in Sonus Session Border Controllers including the SBC 1000, SBC 2000, and SBC SWe Lite models. This vulnerability exists within the web interface component of these telecommunications devices, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these systems for voice and video communication infrastructure. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface of the Sonus SBC devices. Attackers can exploit this weakness through an unspecified vector that likely involves manipulation of web parameters or input fields within the interface. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-77 and CWE-94 as it represents a command injection vulnerability that allows for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions and product lines, indicating a systemic issue in the software development lifecycle of these devices. The affected builds span across versions 6.0.x through 7.0.x, demonstrating that this was not a recent introduction but rather a persistent flaw that existed across several major releases.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11542 is severe and multifaceted for organizations using Sonus SBC devices. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain complete control over the affected systems, enabling them to execute commands, modify configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially disrupt communication services. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the telecommunications infrastructure, which could lead to service outages, unauthorized access to voice communications, and potential data breaches. The attack surface is particularly broad given that these devices are typically deployed in network-perimeter positions where they handle critical communication traffic, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals and nation-state actors alike.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates as soon as they become available, implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and conducting thorough network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control operations and remote service execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these devices are exposed to untrusted networks. Additional security measures should include disabling unnecessary web interface access, implementing strong access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of telecommunications infrastructure. Given the nature of these devices as critical network components, organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these known vulnerabilities.