CVE-2018-1215 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability was discovered in vApp Manager which is embedded in Dell EMC Unisphere for VMAX, Dell EMC Solutions Enabler, Dell EMC VASA Virtual Appliances, and Dell EMC VMAX Embedded Management (eManagement): Dell EMC Unisphere for VMAX Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.18, Dell EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.21, Dell EMC VASA Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.514, and Dell EMC VMAX Embedded Management (eManagement) versions prior to and including 1.4 (Enginuity Release 5977.1125.1125 and earlier). A remote authenticated malicious user may potentially upload arbitrary maliciously crafted files in any location on the web server. By chaining this vulnerability with CVE-2018-1216, the attacker may use the default account to exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1215 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within Dell EMC's virtualized management appliances, specifically affecting vApp Manager components across multiple products including Unisphere for VMAX, Solutions Enabler, VASA Virtual Appliances, and VMAX Embedded Management systems. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and file handling mechanisms that allow authenticated attackers to bypass security controls designed to prevent unauthorized file uploads. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 8.4.0.18 for Unisphere for VMAX, 8.4.0.21 for Solutions Enabler, 8.4.0.514 for VASA Virtual Appliances, and versions 1.4 and earlier for eManagement systems, creating a widespread exposure across Dell EMC's virtual infrastructure management platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file upload interfaces within the vApp Manager component, where attackers can craft malicious files that bypass validation checks and are subsequently stored and executed within the web server's file system. This flaw operates as a direct violation of secure coding principles and represents a classic path traversal or file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to upload potentially malicious content such as web shells, scripts, or other executable files to arbitrary locations on the target system. The vulnerability's impact is significantly amplified when chained with CVE-2018-1216, which provides default account credentials that enable remote authenticated access, creating a complete attack chain from initial compromise to potential system takeover.
From an operational perspective, the implications of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as it provides attackers with persistent access to critical infrastructure management systems. The ability to upload files to any location on the web server means that attackers can potentially overwrite legitimate system files, install backdoors, or deploy additional malicious payloads that could compromise the entire virtualized environment. This vulnerability directly violates multiple security controls including input validation, access control enforcement, and file system permissions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these management appliances for critical infrastructure operations. The exposure affects not just individual systems but entire virtualized environments that depend on these management platforms for configuration, monitoring, and administrative functions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading all affected appliances to versions 8.4.0.18 or later for Unisphere for VMAX, 8.4.0.21 or later for Solutions Enabler, 8.4.0.514 or later for VASA Virtual Appliances, and version 1.4 or later for eManagement systems. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive network segmentation to limit access to these management appliances, implement strict file upload validation controls, and establish monitoring for unusual file upload activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreters, highlighting the multi-stage nature of attacks leveraging this weakness. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should be enhanced to include specific checks for file upload validation controls in all virtualized management platforms to prevent similar issues from emerging in future deployments.