CVE-2018-14916 in LGATE-902
Summary
by MITRE
LOYTEC LGATE-902 6.3.2 devices allow Arbitrary file deletion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14916 affects LOYTEC LGATE-902 devices running firmware version 6.3.2 and potentially earlier versions. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that allows unauthenticated attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion operations on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the device's web interface and file management functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to delete critical system files, configuration data, or user-generated content without proper authentication or authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise and denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's failure to properly validate file paths and user permissions during file deletion operations. When a user attempts to delete a file through the web interface, the system does not adequately verify whether the requested file deletion operation is legitimate or authorized. This lack of proper input sanitization and access control validation creates an environment where malicious actors can construct specially crafted requests that bypass normal security checks. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's file management subsystem, which handles various file operations including deletion, modification, and access control. The flaw exists in the device's web server implementation where it processes file deletion requests without sufficient validation of the file paths or user credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14916 extends beyond simple data loss scenarios to encompass complete system compromise and service disruption. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can delete critical system files, configuration databases, or even the device's firmware images, potentially rendering the device inoperable and requiring complete hardware replacement. This arbitrary file deletion capability can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions, remove security-related files, or disable device functionality entirely. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices that may be deployed in critical environments where device availability and data integrity are paramount. Organizations using these devices may experience operational disruptions, production downtime, and potential safety hazards if the affected devices are part of critical control systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves the execution of commands through remote access capabilities, as attackers may exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Mitigation strategies include immediate firmware updates from LOYTEC to address the vulnerability, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious file deletion requests. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement proper access controls including strong authentication mechanisms, regular security audits, and monitoring of file system activities for unauthorized deletions. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive industrial control functions.