CVE-2018-14808 in AMS Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Emerson AMS Device Manager v12.0 to v13.5. Non-administrative users are able to change executable and library files on the affected products.
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-2018-14808 affects Emerson AMS Device Manager versions 12.0 through 13.5, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the security model of industrial control systems. This vulnerability allows non-administrative users to manipulate executable and library files within the affected system, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the software environment. The flaw exists due to insufficient access controls and file permission mechanisms that fail to properly validate user privileges before permitting modifications to critical system components. This represents a significant deviation from the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific roles. The vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of industrial automation and control systems, where maintaining software integrity is paramount for operational continuity and safety. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses scenarios where improper access controls allow unauthorized modification of system-critical files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file system permissions and access controls within the AMS Device Manager environment. Non-administrative users can leverage this flaw to replace or modify executable binaries and shared libraries that are essential for system operation. This capability enables attackers to inject malicious code or alter legitimate system functionality without requiring administrative credentials. The impact extends beyond simple file modification as it allows for persistent backdoor installation, code injection, and potential system compromise. Attackers could replace legitimate system executables with malicious counterparts, effectively creating a stealthy persistence mechanism that operates under normal user privileges while executing with elevated system capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges but yields significant operational impact, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where system availability and integrity are critical. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14808 in industrial control environments can be severe and far-reaching. A successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, where malicious code executes with system-level privileges while remaining undetected by normal monitoring mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects environments using Emerson's AMS Device Manager for asset management and maintenance operations in process industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and power generation. The ability to modify executable files without administrative privileges creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points, disrupt operations, or cause physical damage through manipulation of control system functions. The vulnerability's impact is magnified in environments where multiple users access the system and where proper segregation of duties cannot be maintained due to the flawed permission model. Organizations may experience operational disruptions, safety hazards, and potential regulatory compliance violations when this vulnerability is exploited. The compromise of library files can affect multiple applications within the system, creating cascading failures that extend beyond the initial point of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14808 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that correct the permission validation mechanisms within the AMS Device Manager software. Organizations should implement strict file permission controls and regularly audit system files to detect unauthorized modifications. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit user access to system-critical components. Implementing integrity monitoring solutions that track changes to executable and library files can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar permission-related flaws in other industrial control system components. The implementation of role-based access control with strict enforcement of privilege boundaries is essential for preventing unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that only permit execution of known good binaries, further reducing the attack surface for this type of vulnerability. System administrators should also establish regular backup procedures and integrity verification mechanisms to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation attempts.