CVE-2018-19005 in Cscape
Summary
by MITRE
Cscape, Version 9.80.75.3 SP3 and prior. An improper input validation vulnerability has been identified that may be exploited by processing specially crafted POC files lacking user input validation. This may allow an attacker to read confidential information and remotely execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19005 affects Cscape version 9.80.75.3 and prior releases, representing a critical improper input validation flaw that undermines the software's security posture. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user inputs when processing specially crafted POC files, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw resides in the application's handling of file processing workflows where the system fails to adequately sanitize or validate input parameters before processing, allowing attackers to manipulate the input stream to achieve unauthorized access and execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation, which maps directly to CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation as defined by the CWE database. When Cscape processes POC files, the application does not properly validate the structure, content, or format of the input data, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit this gap. The vulnerability allows for both information disclosure and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous from a security perspective. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read confidential information stored within the application's memory or file system, while simultaneously gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
From an operational impact standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Cscape for their security operations. The combination of information disclosure and remote code execution capabilities means that attackers can potentially access sensitive data, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the application's core file processing functionality, which is likely used for security analysis and threat detection, making the compromise of such systems particularly damaging. The lack of user input validation creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and directly manipulate the application's behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19005 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates to Cscape version 9.80.75.4 or later releases that address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1005 - Data from Local System, indicating that attackers can leverage this flaw to execute commands and exfiltrate data. Additionally, implementing robust input validation mechanisms, conducting regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.