CVE-2018-4064 in AirLink ES450
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable unverified password change vulnerability exists in the ACEManager upload.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause a unverified device configuration change, resulting in an unverified change of the user password on the device. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The CVE-2018-4064 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 devices running firmware version 4.9.3. This vulnerability resides within the ACEManager upload.cgi component, which handles device configuration uploads and management functions. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the password change process without proper verification, effectively undermining the device's authentication security model. The vulnerability specifically affects the verification mechanism that should validate password changes before implementing them, creating a path for unauthorized privilege escalation through device configuration manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the upload.cgi script. When an authenticated user submits a specially crafted HTTP request containing malicious parameters, the system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of the password change request. This occurs because the verification process either completely bypasses validation checks or implements flawed validation logic that can be easily circumvented. The vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and specifically relates to CWE-306, which covers missing authentication checks for critical functions. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the device's authentication state without proper authorization, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited repeatedly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password manipulation to encompass complete device compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains unauthorized access to device administrative functions, potentially enabling further attacks including network reconnaissance, configuration modification, and establishment of persistent access points. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and take control of the device's operational parameters, affecting network security and potentially enabling broader attacks against connected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only an authenticated session, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised legitimate users. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as it allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized access through legitimate authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4064 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Sierra Wireless, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and establish strict access controls for administrative functions. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, implementing network intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security audits of device configurations. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary administrative functions and enforcing multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication verification in web-based management interfaces, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of device management components. Organizations should review their device management protocols and ensure that all authentication mechanisms properly validate user credentials before implementing critical configuration changes.