CVE-2018-12031 in Intelligent Power Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Local file inclusion in Eaton Intelligent Power Manager v1.6 allows an attacker to include a file via server/node_upgrade_srv.js directory traversal with the firmware parameter in a downloadFirmware action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-12031 represents a critical local file inclusion flaw in Eaton Intelligent Power Manager version 1.6 that exposes the system to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the server/node_upgrade_srv.js component and specifically targets the firmware parameter during downloadFirmware actions. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences and include arbitrary local files on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the firmware handling mechanism. When the downloadFirmware action processes the firmware parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing attackers to inject malicious directory traversal sequences such as ../../../../../ etc. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because the application does not enforce proper input validation or canonicalization of file paths before processing them.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to retrieve system credentials, access network configuration files, or even upload and execute malicious payloads. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to include complete system compromise, making this a high-risk vulnerability that could affect critical infrastructure management systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable command execution on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12031 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures, including implementing proper parameter validation, canonicalizing all file paths, and enforcing strict access controls. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patches or updates immediately, as Eaton likely released a security update addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for security testing during development phases. Implementing a defense-in-depth strategy including web application firewalls and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the system.