CVE-2018-19015 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
An attacker could inject commands to launch programs and create, write, and read files on CX-Supervisor (Versions 3.42 and prior) through a specially crafted project file. An attacker could exploit this to execute code under the privileges of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19015 represents a critical command injection flaw within CX-Supervisor software versions 3.42 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's project file processing functionality. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted project files that contain arbitrary commands, which are then executed by the supervisor application when processing these files. The flaw operates at the core of the application's file handling mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being interpreted as executable instructions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the CX-Supervisor application. The exploitation process involves creating a malicious project file that contains command sequences designed to leverage the application's processing routines. When the vulnerable software opens this crafted file, it inadvertently executes the embedded commands, providing attackers with a direct pathway to system compromise. The vulnerability essentially transforms the legitimate file processing functionality into an attack vector for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19015 extends beyond simple code execution, as it grants attackers comprehensive control over the system where CX-Supervisor is installed. This includes the ability to create, modify, and delete files within the application's operational scope, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, or further lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install additional malware, or escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the compromised system. The low attack complexity combined with the high impact makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the supervisor application runs with elevated privileges.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying architectural weaknesses that enabled the flaw. Organizations should immediately update to CX-Supervisor versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the manufacturer has released remediation updates to address the command injection issue. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures within the application's project file processing routines is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar command injection vulnerabilities in other system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.