CVE-2018-12308 in ADM
Summary
by MITRE
Encryption key disclosure in share.cgi in ASUSTOR ADM version 3.1.1 allows attackers to obtain the encryption key via the "encrypt_key" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12308 represents a critical security flaw in ASUSTOR ADM (Application Data Manager) version 3.1.1 where the share.cgi script fails to properly validate or sanitize the "encrypt_key" URL parameter. This weakness enables unauthenticated attackers to extract encryption keys used for protecting data within the system. The issue stems from improper input handling mechanisms that allow direct parameter injection, bypassing the intended security controls designed to protect sensitive cryptographic information. The vulnerability resides in the web application layer of the ADM system, specifically within the file sharing functionality where encryption keys are exposed through the URL parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL request that includes the encrypt_key parameter, which the share.cgi script then processes without adequate validation or sanitization. This flaw allows for information disclosure attacks where the encryption keys used for data protection are directly accessible through the web interface. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, specifically related to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input. This weakness falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper access control mechanisms. The flaw represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices where parameters should always be validated and sanitized before processing, particularly when dealing with cryptographic keys and sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it compromises the fundamental security of data protection mechanisms within the ASUSTOR ADM system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to encryption keys that can be used to decrypt sensitive data stored within the system, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data breaches, and complete compromise of the confidentiality of protected information. The vulnerability affects organizations using ASUSTOR ADM 3.1.1 who may have critical business data, personal information, or proprietary content protected by the system's encryption features. The disclosure of encryption keys undermines the entire security model of the system, as the confidentiality guarantees provided by the encryption are rendered meaningless. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 Data Staged, where adversaries collect data in a centralized location before exfiltration, and T1566.001 Phishing, as the vulnerability may be exploited through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12308 require immediate patching of the ASUSTOR ADM system to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the ADM system and restrict the exposure of the vulnerable share.cgi script. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that all URL parameters are properly validated before processing, particularly those related to cryptographic operations. Access controls should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive parameters, and the system should be configured to log and monitor all requests containing encryption-related parameters. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their data management infrastructure and implement proper key management practices that separate key generation from key usage to minimize the impact of such disclosure events. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect cryptographic keys from unauthorized access.