CVE-2018-15138 in iPECS NMS 30M
Summary
by MITRE
Ericsson-LG iPECS NMS 30M allows directory traversal via ipecs-cm/download?filename=../ URIs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15138 affects the Ericsson-LG iPECS NMS 30M system, which is a network management solution designed for telecommunications infrastructure. This system operates within enterprise environments where it manages and monitors communication networks, making it a critical component for maintaining operational continuity. The vulnerability manifests in the system's file download functionality, specifically within the ipecs-cm/download endpoint that processes filename parameters. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to access files outside the intended download directory.
The technical flaw represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability, classified under CWE-22 which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The system accepts URI parameters containing ../ sequences without proper validation, enabling attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain restricted. This weakness occurs because the application does not adequately sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious URI such as ipecs-cm/download?filename=../etc/passwd, the system processes the traversal sequence and returns the contents of the targeted file, potentially exposing system configuration data, credentials, or other sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on the iPECS NMS 30M system. Attackers could potentially access critical system files including configuration databases, user credentials stored in configuration files, network settings, and other sensitive data that might reveal system architecture details. This information could serve as a foundation for further attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or extraction of intellectual property. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as attackers could systematically explore the file system to identify valuable targets. Organizations using this system may face compliance violations if sensitive data is exposed, particularly in regulated environments where data protection requirements are stringent.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. The system should reject any URI parameters containing directory traversal sequences or normalize file paths to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should also apply the latest security patches provided by Ericsson-LG to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to only authorized personnel. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing common attack vectors that could compromise enterprise network management systems.