CVE-2018-7111 in UIoT
Summary
by MITRE
A remote unauthorized access vulnerability was identified in HPE UIoT versions 1.5, 1.4.0, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.2.4.2. Specifically, there is a malfunction identified in some section of the DSM portal and some DSM APIs. The impact of the malfunction is that the info can be changed by other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7111 represents a critical authorization flaw within HPE UIoT platforms running specific version releases including 1.5, 1.4.0, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, and 1.2.4.2. This issue manifests within the Data Service Manager portal and associated APIs, creating a significant security gap that allows unauthorized users to manipulate sensitive information. The flaw stems from inadequate access controls and authentication mechanisms that fail to properly validate user permissions before granting data modification privileges. Such a vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for malicious actors to compromise system integrity and data confidentiality. The affected DSM portal components and APIs represent critical attack vectors that enable unauthorized data manipulation through improperly validated user sessions and insufficient authorization checks. This vulnerability exposes organizations to potential data breaches and unauthorized system modifications that could lead to complete system compromise. The security implications extend beyond simple data modification to encompass potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within affected networks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the HPE UIoT platform's DSM components. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal authentication procedures, allowing them to modify data that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between the DSM portal and its associated APIs, where session validation and user permission verification mechanisms fail to properly enforce access restrictions. This malfunction creates a scenario where users can perform operations typically restricted to administrators or authorized personnel, effectively undermining the platform's security architecture. The improper handling of user credentials and session management within these components allows for unauthorized data manipulation through API calls that should require elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7111 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, creating substantial risks for organizations relying on HPE UIoT platforms for industrial IoT deployments. This vulnerability enables attackers to modify critical system configurations, alter operational data, and potentially disrupt business processes that depend on accurate information flow. The ability for unauthorized users to change system information creates opportunities for data integrity compromise, which can lead to incorrect operational decisions and potential safety hazards in industrial environments. Organizations may experience significant financial losses due to unauthorized modifications to system parameters, data corruption, or the need for extensive forensic investigations following exploitation. The vulnerability also increases the risk of insider threats and external attacks, as it provides a persistent backdoor for malicious actors to maintain access while performing unauthorized modifications. The impact is particularly severe in environments where system integrity and data accuracy are paramount for operational safety and regulatory compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7111 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from HPE to address the identified authorization flaws in DSM portal and API components. Organizations must implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems and limit the potential attack surface, while also strengthening authentication mechanisms through multi-factor authentication and robust credential management. The implementation of comprehensive monitoring and logging solutions becomes essential for detecting unauthorized access attempts and data modification activities. Security teams should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that user permissions align with least privilege principles and that all API endpoints properly validate user authorization before executing data modification operations. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to DSM portal components and APIs, particularly from untrusted networks. The remediation process must include verification that all affected versions have been properly updated and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the system configuration. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 should be maintained throughout the remediation process to ensure proper security controls are implemented and validated.