CVE-2018-12528 in N150
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Intex N150 devices. The backup/restore option does not check the file extension uploaded for importing a configuration files backup, which can lead to corrupting the router firmware settings or even the uploading of malicious files. In order to exploit the vulnerability, an attacker can upload any malicious file and force reboot the router with it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12528 affects Intex N150 devices and represents a critical security flaw in the firmware configuration management system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the backup and restore functionality of the router's web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise device integrity through unauthorized firmware modifications.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper file extension validation during configuration file uploads. The backup/restore mechanism fails to verify that uploaded files conform to expected formats, allowing attackers to submit arbitrary file types without restriction. This vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-502, concerning deserialization of untrusted data, though in this case the issue is more fundamental in the upload validation process. The lack of file type checking creates an environment where attackers can exploit the system's trust in the upload process to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to force router reboots with malicious payloads. This can result in persistent system compromise, denial of service conditions, or even complete firmware replacement with malicious versions. The ability to force reboots with attacker-controlled files creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for ongoing system manipulation. The vulnerability essentially allows for privilege escalation through unauthorized firmware modification, which can lead to complete device takeover and potential network compromise.
Security professionals should recognize this issue as a critical concern for network infrastructure devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1547, covering persistence mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strict network segmentation, and ensuring firmware updates are applied promptly. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and file type checking in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for security-by-design principles in network device development. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws in other network equipment and ensure comprehensive protection against unauthorized firmware modifications.