CVE-2018-19783 in MultiSensor-LAN
Summary
by MITRE
Kentix MultiSensor-LAN 5.63.00 devices and previous allow Authentication Bypass via an Alternate Path or Channel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19783 affects Kentix MultiSensor-LAN 5.63.00 devices and earlier versions, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of network monitoring infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the device's authentication mechanism, specifically allowing unauthorized access through alternative pathways or channels that bypass the standard authentication procedures. The affected devices operate as network sensors and monitoring appliances, making them prime targets for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as an authentication bypass aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. This flaw enables malicious actors to gain access to sensitive network monitoring data and potentially manipulate the device's operational parameters without proper credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication flow control within the device's firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific network requests or utilizing alternative communication channels that circumvent the primary authentication mechanisms. The flaw likely exists in how the device handles session management or authentication token validation, allowing unauthorized users to establish valid sessions through non-standard pathways. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. The device's architecture appears to permit multiple access points without proper authentication enforcement, creating a security gap that attackers can leverage to gain administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete network infrastructure compromise and data exfiltration. Network monitoring devices like Kentix MultiSensor-LAN serve as critical points for security event detection and response, making their compromise particularly dangerous. An attacker with access through this bypass could potentially manipulate network traffic monitoring, disable security alerts, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the device's integrity and availability, as unauthorized access could lead to configuration changes that disrupt network operations or create false security alerts. Organizations relying on these devices for network monitoring would experience significant security degradation, potentially leading to undetected network intrusions and compromised security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Kentix to address the authentication bypass flaw, as well as network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns and establish strict access controls for administrative interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure authentication design principles and proper input validation in network infrastructure devices. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all network monitoring equipment and ensure that access controls are properly implemented across all communication channels. Additionally, implementing network access control lists and disabling unnecessary network services can reduce the attack surface and limit exploitation opportunities. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.