CVE-2018-25134 in netBooter NP-02x
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
Synaccess netBooter NP-02x/NP-08x 6.8 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the webNewAcct.cgi script that allows unauthenticated attackers to create admin user accounts. Attackers can exploit the missing control check by sending crafted POST requests to create administrative accounts and gain unauthorized control over power supply management.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The CVE-2018-25134 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting Synaccess netBooter NP-02x and NP-08x network power distribution units running firmware version 6.8. This vulnerability resides within the webNewAcct.cgi script which handles user account creation functionality. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and missing authorization checks that allow any remote attacker to bypass the normal authentication process and create administrative accounts without proper credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly impacts network power management systems that are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of access control validation within the web application layer. The webNewAcct.cgi script fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses administrative privileges before allowing account creation operations. This missing authorization check creates an exploitable path where attackers can craft malicious POST requests containing administrative user credentials and submit them directly to the vulnerable endpoint. The flaw essentially removes the requirement for legitimate administrative authentication, allowing unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges through the creation of new administrative accounts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over critical power management infrastructure. Network power distribution units are often strategically located in data centers, server rooms, and other mission-critical environments where they serve as the primary means of power control and monitoring. Once an attacker gains administrative access through this vulnerability, they can manipulate power states, shut down systems, or create persistent backdoor access points that could remain undetected for extended periods. The implications are particularly severe in environments where these devices control multiple servers or network equipment, as the attacker could potentially cause widespread service disruptions or create opportunities for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability maps directly to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access and privilege escalation tactics.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-25134 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Synaccess to address the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate power distribution units from critical network segments, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual account creation patterns or anomalous POST requests to web management interfaces. Additional security controls including multi-factor authentication for administrative access, regular security audits of networked devices, and implementation of network access control lists can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in embedded web applications, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 for secure system development and deployment practices.