CVE-2018-7109 in enhanced Internet Usage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
HPE has addressed a remote arbitrary file modification vulnerability in HPE enhanced Internet Usage Manager (eIUM) v9.0FP1 with the cumulative patch for v9.0FP1 - eIUM90FP01XXX.YYYYMMDD-HHMM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7109 represents a critical remote arbitrary file modification flaw within HPE enhanced Internet Usage Manager version 9.0FP1. This security weakness allows remote attackers to manipulate files on the affected system without authentication, potentially leading to system compromise and data corruption. The vulnerability specifically affects the eIUM software that manages internet usage policies and monitoring within enterprise environments, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on HPE's network management solutions.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the eIUM application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests that bypass normal file modification restrictions, enabling them to write arbitrary files to the system. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which describes how applications fail to properly restrict file system access, allowing attackers to manipulate files outside intended directories. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage this weakness, significantly expanding the attack surface.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7109 extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, potentially enabling attackers to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or corrupt critical network management data. Organizations using eIUM for internet usage monitoring and policy enforcement face heightened risk of unauthorized access to their network management systems, which could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of network monitoring functions, potentially allowing attackers to hide their activities or disrupt legitimate network operations. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, where attackers leverage legitimate access mechanisms to perform unauthorized modifications, and T1486 - Data Encrypted for Ransom, as the compromised system could be used to encrypt or corrupt data.
Organizations should immediately implement the cumulative patch provided by HPE for eIUM v9.0FP1, specifically the eIUM90FP01XXX.YYMMDD-HHMM update, to remediate this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to eIUM management interfaces, and administrative access should be restricted to trusted networks only. Regular monitoring of system logs for unusual file modification activities and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure no other systems in their environment are similarly affected, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in file handling and access control mechanisms. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and strengthening access controls around file operations, thereby preventing unauthorized modification of system files through remote exploitation.