CVE-2018-13108 in Broadband Router
Summary
by MITRE
All ADB broadband gateways / routers based on the Epicentro platform are affected by a local root jailbreak vulnerability where attackers are able to gain root access on the device, and extract further information such as sensitive configuration data of the ISP (e.g., VoIP credentials) or attack the internal network of the ISP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13108 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw affecting ADB broadband gateways and routers built on the Epicentro platform. This vulnerability allows attackers with local access to the device to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root access, fundamentally compromising the device's security posture. The issue stems from improper privilege handling within the router's operating system, creating an exploitable condition that enables unauthorized administrative control over the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the Epicentro platform's firmware. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, bypassing the normal security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to system-level functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the local execution environment where users or processes can manipulate system calls or file permissions to gain elevated privileges. This flaw operates at the kernel level or within critical system components, making it particularly dangerous as it provides complete control over the device's functionality and data access capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the individual device compromise, creating significant risks for the entire ISP network infrastructure. Once attackers achieve root access, they can extract sensitive configuration data including VoIP credentials, network settings, and potentially other confidential information that could be used for further attacks or network infiltration. The compromised router becomes a potential pivot point for attackers to launch attacks against internal network systems, enabling them to map network topology, identify vulnerable hosts, and potentially escalate their access to other connected devices. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an attack surface that could be exploited for lateral movement within the ISP's network infrastructure.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-269 which addresses improper privilege management and CWE-787 which covers out-of-bounds write conditions that could lead to privilege escalation. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes legitimate credentials and privileges used to gain access to systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from ADB, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unusual network activity patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices and ensure proper access controls are maintained across all network components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security audits of network infrastructure devices to prevent similar issues from compromising network security.