CVE-2018-19393 in Satcom Sailor 800
Summary
by MITRE
Cobham Satcom Sailor 800 and 900 devices contained a vulnerability that allowed for arbitrary writing of content to the system's configuration file. This was exploitable via multiple attack vectors depending on the device's configuration. Further analysis also indicated this vulnerability could be leveraged to achieve a Denial of Service (DoS) condition, where the device would require a factory reset to return to normal operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19393 affects Cobham Satcom Sailor 800 and 900 satellite communication devices, representing a critical security flaw in embedded systems designed for maritime and remote communications. These devices operate in environments where reliable communication is paramount, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access to sensitive communication channels. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the device's configuration management subsystem, creating a path for malicious actors to manipulate system settings through unauthorized means.
This weakness constitutes a direct violation of CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and can be categorized under CWE-73, representing external control of data within a configuration file. The flaw allows attackers to perform arbitrary writes to the system's configuration file through multiple attack vectors, depending on the device's current operational configuration and network exposure. The vulnerability's exploitable nature stems from the lack of proper authentication checks and authorization mechanisms when processing configuration update requests, enabling unauthenticated or low-privilege users to modify critical system parameters that control device behavior and communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration manipulation, as it can be leveraged to create a denial of service condition that fundamentally compromises device availability. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the device to enter a non-functional state where normal operations become impossible, requiring a factory reset to restore proper functionality. This DoS condition represents a significant risk in maritime environments where communication reliability is critical for safety, navigation, and operational continuity. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices often operate in remote locations where physical access for recovery is limited or impossible, potentially leaving vessels or installations without critical communication capabilities for extended periods.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of firmware updates provided by Cobham Satcom to address the underlying configuration file access controls. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments of embedded systems and maintain detailed inventory records of all communication devices to ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which covers "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion," as the configuration file manipulation could be used to hide malicious activities or disrupt legitimate operations. Organizations should also consider implementing configuration management best practices that enforce integrity checks and maintain audit trails for all system configuration changes to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications.