CVE-2018-14804 in AMS Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Emerson AMS Device Manager v12.0 to v13.5. A specially crafted script may be run that allows arbitrary remote code execution.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14804 affects Emerson AMS Device Manager versions 12.0 through 13.5, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of specially crafted scripts, which when processed by the device manager could be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over the affected systems. The flaw essentially creates an attack vector where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication or physical access to the target environment. This represents a significant security weakness in industrial control systems where device managers are often used to manage and configure critical infrastructure components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the AMS Device Manager application. When the system processes user-supplied scripts or data, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before executing it, creating a classic injection vulnerability that allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass normal execution boundaries. This flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a dangerous condition where user-controllable data can be interpreted and executed as code by the application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the network perimeter, potentially allowing them to compromise industrial control systems from distant locations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that AMS Device Manager is commonly used in critical infrastructure environments where maintaining system integrity and operational security is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, as it could lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of industrial processes. Attackers could potentially gain full administrative privileges on affected systems, allowing them to modify configurations, access sensitive data, or even cause physical damage to industrial equipment. The implications are particularly severe in environments where AMS Device Manager is used to manage critical infrastructure such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing facilities. This vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate device settings, disrupt operations, or create backdoors for persistent access. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers could target these systems from anywhere with internet connectivity, making traditional network perimeter defenses insufficient to prevent exploitation. Organizations using these systems face potential regulatory compliance issues and significant operational risks if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14804 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Emerson has released updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate AMS Device Manager systems from general network access, limiting the potential attack surface for remote exploitation. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring tools to detect suspicious script execution patterns, implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive network security reviews, as this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged in conjunction with other attacks within a broader exploitation campaign. Security teams should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting industrial control system vulnerabilities. Given the nature of industrial environments, organizations should also develop and test incident response procedures that address potential compromise scenarios involving remote code execution vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure management systems.