CVE-2018-17931 in VGo Robot
Summary
by MITRE
If an attacker has physical access to the VGo Robot (Versions 3.0.3.52164 and 3.0.3.53662. Prior versions may also be affected) they may be able to alter scripts, which may allow code execution with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17931 represents a critical security flaw in VGo Robot systems running specific firmware versions including 3.0.3.52164 and 3.0.3.53662. This issue stems from insufficient security controls that allow unauthorized physical access to compromise the device's integrity. The vulnerability specifically affects robots designed for remote presence and teleoperation applications, where physical access by an attacker could lead to complete system compromise. The root cause lies in the device's failure to implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for critical system files and scripts that govern robot operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of physical security measures that would normally prevent modification of system scripts. When an attacker gains physical access to the robot, they can manipulate the underlying software components that control robot behavior, particularly those scripts responsible for system-level operations. This flaw enables privilege escalation from standard user privileges to root access, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the highest system permissions. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue that directly impacts the system's integrity and confidentiality. According to CWE guidelines, this represents a weakness in the security model where insufficient controls allow unauthorized modification of critical system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system takeover and potential data compromise. Attackers with physical access can modify robot scripts to redirect the device's functionality, potentially enabling surveillance activities, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these robots may be deployed for sensitive operations, remote monitoring, or critical infrastructure support. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector since physical access can be gained through various means including theft, unauthorized access to facilities, or social engineering attacks. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques that emphasize physical access and privilege escalation as initial compromise vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17931 must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive physical security controls. Organizations should immediately upgrade to firmware versions that address this vulnerability, while implementing additional security measures such as secure boot processes, file integrity monitoring, and encrypted storage of critical scripts. Physical security controls including tamper-evident seals, restricted access areas, and asset tracking systems should be implemented to prevent unauthorized physical access. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities that may indicate script modification attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of considering physical security as part of overall cybersecurity strategy, particularly for IoT and robotics systems where physical access may provide direct attack surfaces. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their deployed robotic systems.