CVE-2018-17908 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
WebAccess Versions 8.3.2 and prior. During installation, the application installer disables user access control and does not re-enable it after the installation is complete. This could allow an attacker to run elevated arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17908 affects WebAccess versions 8.3.2 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw during the installation process that fundamentally compromises system integrity and user access controls. This issue stems from the installer's behavior of temporarily disabling user access control mechanisms, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system. The vulnerability represents a significant deviation from standard security practices where system protections should remain active throughout all installation phases. According to CWE-284, this weakness falls under improper access control, specifically where security controls are intentionally disabled during system operations. The installer's failure to re-enable user access control after completion creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker gains access to a system running the vulnerable WebAccess version and executes the installer. During this process, the installer temporarily disables user access control, which typically includes features such as mandatory access controls, privilege separation mechanisms, and security policy enforcement. This temporary disabling creates a state where the system operates with reduced security posture, allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not simply disable access controls temporarily but leaves them disabled permanently, meaning that even after installation completes, the system remains vulnerable to privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique where adversaries manipulate system settings to gain elevated permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17908 extends beyond the immediate installation phase, creating long-term security implications for organizations using affected WebAccess versions. Systems that have undergone installation with this vulnerability present an elevated risk of compromise, as attackers can leverage the disabled access controls to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems and SCADA environments where WebAccess is commonly deployed, making it a significant concern for critical infrastructure security. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, potential disruption of industrial processes, and possible lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where security policies are strictly enforced, as the installer's behavior directly contradicts established security frameworks that require continuous access control enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations, including immediate patching of all WebAccess installations to versions that address this specific installer behavior. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all systems running vulnerable versions to identify any potential exploitation attempts or unauthorized changes. The recommended approach involves implementing strict change control processes that ensure access controls remain active during all system modifications, including installations and updates. Organizations should also consider deploying additional security monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to access control settings and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. According to security best practices and NIST guidelines, system administrators must verify that security controls are re-enabled after any installation process, and this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining security posture throughout all system operations. Regular security assessments should include verification of access control settings post-installation to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.