CVE-2018-18990 in LAquis SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
LCDS Laquis SCADA prior to version 4.1.0.4150 allows a user-supplied path in file operations prior to proper validation. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose sensitive information under the context of the web server process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18990 affects LCDS Laquis SCADA software versions prior to 4.1.0.4150, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized information disclosure through improper input validation in file operations. This vulnerability resides within the web server component of the SCADA system, where user-supplied paths are processed without adequate sanitization or validation checks. The flaw creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file access operations by supplying malicious path parameters that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling routines. When the web server processes user requests containing file operation parameters, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the supplied paths before executing file system operations. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted input that can traverse directory structures or access files outside of intended boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts the context of the web server process, meaning that any information accessible to the web server can potentially be disclosed, including configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other sensitive data that may be stored in accessible locations within the system's file hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components and data that could compromise the overall security posture of industrial control systems. In SCADA environments, where systems often handle sensitive operational data and control critical infrastructure, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into system architecture, operational procedures, or security configurations that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where SCADA systems may contain proprietary operational data, security credentials, or system configurations that could be exploited to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized control over critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18990 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.1.0.4150 or later, which contains the necessary validation controls to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of SCADA web interfaces to untrusted networks, following ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious path parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system components. System administrators should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial control systems and highlights the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in critical infrastructure environments.