CVE-2018-13290 in Router Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Information exposure vulnerability in SYNO.Core.ACL in Synology Router Manager (SRM) before 1.1.7-6941-2 allows remote authenticated users to determine the existence of files or obtain sensitive information of files via the file_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13290 represents a critical information exposure flaw within Synology Router Manager's SYNO.Core.ACL component. This issue affects versions prior to 1.1.7-6941-2 and demonstrates a significant security weakness that undermines the confidentiality controls of the system. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the file_path parameter within the file management functionality, creating an avenue for attackers to exploit the system's access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized reconnaissance activities that could reveal sensitive file information and potentially expose the existence of files within the system's file structure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and more specifically with CWE-352, which addresses cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities that can lead to information disclosure. The flaw operates by manipulating the file_path parameter to probe the system's response to different file paths, thereby enabling attackers to determine whether specific files exist within the system's storage hierarchy. This type of information disclosure can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data about the system's file structure, potentially revealing the presence of sensitive configuration files, backup data, or other privileged information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Synology Router Manager for network infrastructure management. The remote authenticated access capability means that attackers who have gained legitimate credentials to the system can exploit this flaw without requiring additional privileges or access vectors. This information exposure can lead to cascading security issues where attackers use the discovered file information to plan more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized file reconnaissance that should be restricted to authorized users only.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects a core system component that manages access control lists for the router manager. Attackers can leverage this flaw to map out the file system structure and identify potentially sensitive files that may contain configuration data, user credentials, or other information that could be exploited in further attacks. This vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as it enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target system's file structure through legitimate authentication channels. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to determine file existence can be used to craft more targeted attacks against specific system components or user data.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, as the information exposure risk can significantly compromise overall system security posture. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Synology Router Manager version 1.1.7-6941-2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the information disclosure through the file_path parameter manipulation. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual file access patterns and consider implementing additional access controls or restrictions on file system operations to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement in system components that handle file operations, particularly in enterprise network management solutions where privileged access is commonly required.