CVE-2018-5265 in EdgeOS
Summary
by MITRE
Ubiquiti EdgeOS 1.9.1 on EdgeRouter Lite devices allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with admin credentials, because /opt/vyatta/share/vyatta-cfg/templates/system/static-host-mapping/host-name/node.def does not sanitize the 'alias' or 'ips' parameter for shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5265 affects Ubiquiti EdgeOS 1.9.1 firmware running on EdgeRouter Lite devices, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the system's configuration handling mechanism, specifically targeting the static host mapping functionality. The vulnerability exists in the file path /opt/vyatta/share/vyatta-cfg/templates/system/static-host-mapping/host-name/node.def where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, creating an avenue for malicious input injection that can be escalated to full administrative control.
The technical flaw manifests through improper sanitization of the 'alias' and 'ips' parameters within the host name template processing system. When an attacker submits malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks into these parameters, the system processes these inputs without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled commands can be executed with administrative privileges, effectively allowing remote code execution on the affected device. The vulnerability operates at the configuration layer where user inputs are directly incorporated into system commands without proper validation or sanitization, violating fundamental security principles of input sanitization and privilege separation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over affected EdgeRouter Lite devices. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only individual devices but also poses significant risks to larger network deployments where multiple EdgeRouter devices may be interconnected, as successful exploitation on one device can provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement throughout the network. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these devices often serve as critical network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5265 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Ubiquiti to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious configuration changes or network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories related to command injection and improper input sanitization, respectively, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for known exploit signatures and establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across network infrastructure devices.