CVE-2018-13140 in Antidote
Summary
by MITRE
Druide Antidote through 9.5.1 on Windows and Linux allows remote code execution through the update mechanism by leveraging use of HTTP to download installation packages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13140 affects Druide Antidote versions 9.5.1 and earlier across both Windows and Linux operating systems. This represents a critical security flaw within the software's update mechanism that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols when downloading installation packages during the update process, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper implementation of secure update mechanisms where the application defaults to using HTTP instead of HTTPS for downloading critical installation packages. This design decision exposes the update process to man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept network traffic and replace legitimate update files with malicious payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication channels in software update systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness by positioning themselves within the network traffic path to perform protocol downgrade attacks or traffic interception, subsequently delivering malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security assurances provided by the application's update mechanism. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary code on target systems without requiring additional authentication or exploitation techniques. The implications are particularly severe given that the update mechanism is typically designed to be trusted and automatically executed by the system. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can maintain long-term access to compromised systems through the installation of malicious update packages. The attack surface is further expanded due to the cross-platform nature of the vulnerability affecting both Windows and Linux environments, potentially allowing for broader exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13140 should prioritize immediate implementation of secure update protocols that enforce HTTPS usage for all installation package downloads. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect and prevent HTTP traffic to update servers, while also considering the deployment of network segmentation to limit access to update infrastructure. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of Druide Antidote where the update mechanism properly enforces secure communication protocols, typically through the implementation of certificate validation and secure transport layer enforcement. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network access controls and traffic inspection mechanisms to detect unauthorized modification of update processes, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which focuses on application layer protocol usage. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their update mechanisms to ensure similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other software components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure communication in software distribution processes.