CVE-2018-15819 in 30P
Summary
by MITRE
EasyIO EasyIO-30P devices before 2.0.5.27 have Incorrect Access Control, related to webuser.js.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15819 affects EasyIO EasyIO-30P industrial devices running firmware versions prior to 2.0.5.27. This issue resides within the webuser.js component which governs user authentication and authorization mechanisms within the device's web interface. The flaw represents a critical access control weakness that undermines the device's security posture and could potentially allow unauthorized individuals to gain administrative privileges. Industrial control systems such as those manufactured by EasyIO are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning.
The technical implementation of the access control flaw stems from improper validation of user credentials and session management within the webuser.js file. This JavaScript component is responsible for handling user authentication requests and maintaining secure sessions between the web interface and the device's backend systems. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures by manipulating the web interface's user management functionality. Specifically, the device fails to properly verify user roles and permissions, enabling malicious actors to escalate privileges without proper authorization. This weakness aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire industrial control networks. When an attacker successfully exploits this access control flaw, they gain administrative access to the device's configuration interfaces, allowing them to modify network settings, change user accounts, access sensitive operational data, and potentially disrupt industrial processes. The EasyIO-30P devices are commonly used in manufacturing environments, building automation systems, and other industrial applications where unauthorized access could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or data breaches. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur remotely through the web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no physical access to the device. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15819 primarily focus on firmware updates and network security hardening. Organizations should immediately upgrade all affected EasyIO-30P devices to firmware version 2.0.5.27 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the access control vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, limiting the potential attack surface. Access to the web interface should be restricted through firewalls and access control lists, ensuring only authorized personnel can reach the device management interfaces. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns or authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems within their environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial processes or control systems.