CVE-2018-7078 in integrated Lights Out
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution was identified in HPE Integrated Lights-Out 4 (iLO 4) earlier than version v2.60 and HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5) earlier than version v1.30.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-7078 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting HPE Integrated Lights-Out 4 and 5 management controllers. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management interface of these systems, which are widely deployed in enterprise data centers for out-of-band server management. The affected versions of iLO 4 prior to v2.60 and iLO 5 prior to v1.30 contain a security weakness that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication. The flaw specifically impacts the HTTP server implementation within the iLO firmware, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because iLO interfaces are typically accessible from network perimeters and are often configured with default credentials or weak authentication mechanisms, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper error handling within the web server component of the iLO firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted HTTP requests that bypass authentication mechanisms and trigger code execution on the target system. The vulnerability manifests through a combination of buffer overflow conditions and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the web interface processing pipeline. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-119 which describes weaknesses that allow for memory corruption and code execution through improper handling of input data. The attack vector requires network access to the iLO management interface and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these management interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks. The flaw enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the iLO service account, which typically has extensive access to system management functions and can potentially escalate privileges to full system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7078 extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the managed server's out-of-band management capabilities. This vulnerability allows adversaries to manipulate server settings, access system logs, modify firmware, and potentially gain access to sensitive data stored on the managed systems. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where iLO interfaces are used to manage critical infrastructure components, as attackers can use this access to maintain persistent presence within networks and conduct lateral movement attacks. Organizations may face significant operational disruption when these vulnerabilities are exploited, as attackers can disable management interfaces, corrupt system configurations, or use the compromised systems as stepping stones for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also creates challenges for security monitoring and incident response teams, as the compromised systems may not immediately show signs of compromise through traditional network monitoring tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059 for command and script execution and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised iLO interfaces to maintain access and execute additional malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7078 primarily focus on immediate firmware updates and network segmentation. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected iLO 4 systems to version v2.60 or later and iLO 5 systems to version v1.30 or later, as these releases contain patches addressing the vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate iLO interfaces from untrusted networks, ensuring that management interfaces are only accessible from trusted administrative networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary management services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their infrastructure and establish monitoring procedures for detecting unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for critical infrastructure components and demonstrates the necessity of implementing robust security controls around remote management interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting iLO interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all management interfaces remain secure against emerging threats and that proper patch management procedures are in place to address future vulnerabilities.