CVE-2018-14699 in 5N2 NAS
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in the /DroboAccess/enable_user endpoint in Drobo 5N2 NAS version 4.0.5-13.28.96115 allows unauthenticated attackers to execute system commands via the "username" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14699 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Drobo 5N2 Network Attached Storage device running firmware version 4.0.5-13.28.96115. This security weakness resides in the /DroboAccess/enable_user endpoint which is designed to manage user account enablement functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately filter or escape user-supplied data before processing. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious payloads within the username URL parameter, which then gets executed as system commands on the underlying operating system. The absence of authentication requirements for this endpoint makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any remote attacker without prior authorization or credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the username parameter in the URL, where attackers can inject arbitrary commands that bypass normal input validation checks. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 which defines command injection as the injection of a command into a command interpreter, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into system command execution contexts without proper escaping or encoding. The attack vector operates over HTTP/HTTPS protocols, making it accessible through standard web browsing interfaces or automated exploitation tools. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it allows attackers to gain full system control, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further network infiltration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing Drobo 5N2 devices in their storage infrastructure. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can gain system-level privileges without requiring legitimate credentials, effectively providing them with complete control over the affected NAS device. This includes access to all stored data, ability to modify or delete files, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability's presence in a storage device particularly amplifies its impact since NAS systems often contain sensitive corporate data, backup files, and critical business information. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited, as it provides attackers with direct access to their stored data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14699 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Drobo to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement network segmentation to limit access to NAS devices and restrict direct internet exposure where possible. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns or unusual traffic to the affected endpoint. Input validation should be strengthened at the application level to prevent any user-supplied data from being interpreted as executable commands. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms for all administrative endpoints and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date firmware across all networked storage devices. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of commands through various interpreters and shells. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive incident response procedures to quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.