CVE-2018-6826 in Clock
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on VOBOT CLOCK before 0.99.30 devices. Cleartext HTTP is used to download a breakout program, and therefore man-in-the-middle attackers can execute arbitrary code by watching for a local user to launch the Breakout Easter Egg feature, and then sending a crafted HTTP response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6826 affects VOBOT CLOCK devices running firmware versions prior to 0.99.30, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to significant risks through insecure communication protocols. This issue manifests in the device's handling of network communications during the breakout program download process, where cleartext HTTP is employed instead of secure encrypted protocols such as HTTPS. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Breakout Easter Egg feature, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to exploit the device's insecure network configuration.
The technical flaw stems from the device's failure to implement proper transport layer security during software updates and feature activations. When a local user triggers the Breakout Easter Egg functionality, the device initiates an HTTP connection to download additional program components without any encryption or integrity verification mechanisms. This cleartext communication channel creates an ideal environment for man-in-the-middle attacks, as network traffic can be intercepted, modified, or replaced by attackers positioned within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability operates under CWE-319, which categorizes weaknesses related to cleartext transmission of sensitive information over networks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic interception is feasible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as attackers can potentially compromise the entire device and its associated network. By crafting malicious HTTP responses during the download process, an attacker can inject arbitrary code that executes with the privileges of the affected device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability requires minimal user interaction, as the Breakout Easter Egg feature may be triggered automatically or through simple user actions. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through web-based interfaces, and T1071.004, which addresses application layer protocol usage for command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6826 require immediate firmware updates to versions 0.99.30 or later, which presumably implement encrypted communication protocols and proper certificate validation. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as firewall rules that block unauthorized HTTP traffic to and from affected devices, as well as network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental activation of the Breakout Easter Egg feature in potentially hostile network environments, while regular vulnerability assessments should verify that all network-connected devices maintain up-to-date security configurations. The fix addresses fundamental security principles outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls that emphasize secure communication protocols and proper authentication mechanisms for networked devices.