CVE-2018-13801 in ROX II
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in ROX II (All versions < V2.12.1). An attacker with network access to port 22/tcp and valid low-privileged user credentials for the target device could perform a privilege escalation and gain root privileges. Successful exploitation requires user privileges of a low-privileged user but no user interaction. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13801 affects ROX II devices running versions prior to V2.12.1, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines system security through a well-known attack vector. This vulnerability specifically targets the SSH service operating on port 22/tcp, which serves as the primary entry point for remote system access. The flaw allows an attacker with minimal initial access through valid low-privileged user credentials to escalate their privileges and achieve full root access to the device. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-269 category, which encompasses privilege escalation issues where attackers can gain elevated permissions beyond their initial access level. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the exploitation requires only network access to the standard SSH port and valid user credentials, eliminating the need for additional reconnaissance or complex attack chains.
The technical mechanism behind this privilege escalation involves a flaw in the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms that fail to properly validate privilege levels during the SSH session establishment process. When a low-privileged user connects via SSH, the system should maintain strict access controls that prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. However, the vulnerability allows the attacker to manipulate the session state or exploit a flaw in the privilege checking logic that permits the user to execute commands with root privileges. This flaw likely stems from improper input validation or inadequate privilege boundary enforcement within the SSH daemon implementation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple access control as it provides complete system compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate system files, modify configurations, install malware, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-13801 is severe and multifaceted, affecting the CIA triad of information security through complete system compromise. Confidentiality is compromised as attackers gain access to all system data, including sensitive configuration files, user credentials, and potentially encrypted information stored on the device. Integrity is undermined through the ability to modify system binaries, configuration files, and critical system components, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or data corruption. Availability is threatened as attackers can disable system services, consume resources, or perform destructive operations that could render the device unusable. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to broader network compromise if the ROX II device serves as a gateway or contains sensitive network infrastructure. Organizations using affected devices face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions. The vulnerability's presence in industrial control systems makes it particularly concerning for critical infrastructure environments where system reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13801 should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates to version V2.12.1 or later, which would address the underlying privilege escalation flaw. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit SSH access to only authorized personnel and systems. Regular security audits should verify that only necessary services are running and that proper access controls are in place. Monitoring for unauthorized SSH connections and privilege escalation attempts should be enabled through system logs and security information event management systems. Additional controls include implementing strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, using SSH key-based authentication instead of passwords, and regularly rotating user credentials. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial control systems, as outdated devices often contain unpatched security flaws that can be exploited by threat actors. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict SSH access to specific IP addresses and establish incident response procedures for detecting and responding to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and patch management in industrial environments where device security can directly impact operational safety and business continuity.