CVE-2018-14700 in 5N2 NAS
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect access control in the /mysql/api/logfile.php endpoint in Drobo 5N2 NAS version 4.0.5-13.28.96115 allows unauthenticated attackers to retrieve MySQL log files via the "name" URL parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14700 represents a critical access control flaw within the Drobo 5N2 Network Attached Storage device running firmware version 4.0.5-13.28.96115. This issue manifests in the /mysql/api/logfile.php endpoint which fails to properly authenticate or authorize incoming requests. The flaw specifically affects the "name" URL parameter that processes user input without adequate validation or access restrictions, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The affected Drobo 5N2 device operates as a network storage solution that includes MySQL database services, making the exposure of database log files particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the web application layer of the Drobo NAS system. When an attacker submits a request to the /mysql/api/logfile.php endpoint with a crafted "name" parameter, the system processes the request without verifying whether the requester possesses appropriate authorization credentials. This weakness aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization issues in software systems, and specifically demonstrates a failure in authentication checks. The vulnerability allows attackers to enumerate and retrieve MySQL log files that typically contain sensitive operational data including database connection information, user activities, and potentially system configuration details. The absence of proper access controls means that any attacker with network access to the device can exploit this flaw without requiring valid credentials or authentication tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as MySQL log files often contain sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. These log files may include database connection strings, user credentials, failed login attempts, and operational details that provide attackers with valuable insights into the internal workings of the system. The exposure of such information creates opportunities for attackers to conduct more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or targeted exploitation of other system components. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Drobo devices for storage solutions and may have broader implications for network security posture, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for accessing other network resources. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14700 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Drobo to address the access control flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate NAS devices from critical network segments, ensuring that unauthorized network access is prevented. Additional protective measures include configuring firewall rules to restrict access to the affected endpoint, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of network storage solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of web application security. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to database-related endpoints, as this type of information disclosure often precedes more serious security incidents. Regular patch management processes should be enforced to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across all network storage infrastructure components.