CVE-2018-4073 in AirLink ES450
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable Permission Assignment vulnerability exists in the ACEManager EmbeddedAceSet_Task.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. The the binary the endpoint /cgi-bin/Embeded_Ace_TLSet_Task.cgi is a very similar endpoint that is designed for use with setting table values that can cause an arbitrary setting writes, resulting in the unverified changes to any system setting. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request, or run the binary as any user, to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The CVE-2018-4073 vulnerability represents a critical permission assignment flaw within the Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 firmware version 4.9.3, specifically affecting the ACEManager EmbeddedAceSet_Task.cgi component. This vulnerability resides in the embedded web interface functionality that governs system configuration management through the /cgi-bin/Embeded_Ace_TLSet_Task.cgi endpoint, which serves as a mechanism for setting table values within the device's configuration system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and permission verification mechanisms that allow unauthorized modification of critical system parameters through what should be restricted administrative functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP requests to the affected CGI endpoint, where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity and authorization of the requesting user or process. This weakness creates a path for arbitrary setting writes that bypass normal access controls, enabling an attacker to modify any system setting without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for authenticated HTTP requests to be leveraged as a means of privilege escalation or system compromise, effectively granting attackers the ability to alter core system configurations that control network behavior, security policies, and operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration modification, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the AirLink ES450 device. Attackers can potentially manipulate network settings to redirect traffic, disable security features, modify access controls, or establish persistent backdoors within the device's operational environment. This capability creates opportunities for network infiltration, data exfiltration, and denial of service conditions that could affect larger network infrastructures depending on the device's role within the deployment. The vulnerability affects the device's integrity and availability, as unauthorized changes to system settings could cause operational instability or security degradation.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates inadequate separation of concerns within the embedded web application, where administrative functions lack proper authentication verification and input sanitization. Organizations deploying Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 devices should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened through proper user authentication, role-based access restrictions, and regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the critical need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web-based administrative interfaces.