CVE-2018-5997 in FileHub
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the HTTP Server in RAVPower Filehub 2.000.056. Due to an unrestricted upload feature and a path traversal vulnerability, it is possible to upload a file on a filesystem with root privileges: this will lead to remote code execution as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5997 affects the HTTP Server component of RAVPower Filehub version 2.000.056, representing a critical security flaw that combines multiple exploitation vectors to enable remote code execution with elevated privileges. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls within the file upload functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the affected device. The vulnerability exists within the device's web interface that handles file operations, making it accessible over the network without proper authentication mechanisms in place. The combination of unrestricted file upload capabilities with path traversal vulnerabilities creates a particularly dangerous attack surface that allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with root-level privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack vectors that work in conjunction to achieve remote code execution. The unrestricted upload feature allows attackers to bypass normal file type validation mechanisms, enabling the upload of malicious files such as web shells or binary executables. Simultaneously, the path traversal vulnerability permits attackers to manipulate file paths during the upload process, directing files to critical system directories where they can be executed with elevated privileges. This dual exploitation approach is categorized under CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type and CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, both of which are classified as high-risk vulnerabilities in the Common Weakness Enumeration database. The attack chain typically begins with an unauthenticated user uploading a malicious payload through the HTTP interface, followed by path traversal manipulation to place the file in a location where it can be executed by the system with root privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations and individuals who deploy RAVPower Filehub devices in their network infrastructure. The remote code execution capability with root privileges allows attackers to completely compromise the device, potentially using it as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The device's role as a file hub makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to network resources, as it provides a legitimate entry point for further reconnaissance and lateral movement. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can leverage the uploaded files to execute commands and establish backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise, as the Filehub could serve as a central point of failure for an entire network segment, potentially exposing sensitive data and disrupting business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5997 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the underlying vulnerabilities in the HTTP server implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious upload activities. The implementation of strict file type validation, proper access controls, and directory traversal prevention measures should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other networked devices and applications. Additionally, network administrators should disable unnecessary services and ports, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized file upload attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against combined attack vectors that exploit multiple weaknesses simultaneously.