CVE-2018-7230 in Pelco Sarix Professional
Summary
by MITRE
A XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability exists in the import.cgi of the web interface component of the Schneider Electric's Pelco Sarix Professional in all firmware versions prior to 3.29.67.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The CVE-2018-7230 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity injection flaw within Schneider Electric's Pelco Sarix Professional video surveillance system. This vulnerability specifically affects the import.cgi web interface component and impacts all firmware versions prior to 3.29.67, making it a widespread issue across numerous deployed systems. The flaw resides in how the system processes XML data during import operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted XML input. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-611, which specifically addresses XML External Entity Processing without proper restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in security-critical environments such as video surveillance systems where sensitive operational data and network configurations are processed through web interfaces.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to reading arbitrary files from the system filesystem, conducting internal network service scanning, and potentially executing arbitrary code on the affected device. The attack vector typically involves crafting specially formatted XML data that references external entities, which when processed by the vulnerable import.cgi component, can trigger unintended system behavior. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive configuration files, user credentials, and other system information that should remain protected. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and sanitization practices within the web application layer, where XML parsing occurs without adequate restrictions on external entity resolution. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks targeting networked video surveillance equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially compromise entire surveillance networks and facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Organizations deploying Pelco Sarix Professional systems may face unauthorized access to video feeds, configuration data, and system credentials that could be used for further network infiltration. The vulnerability also poses risks to business continuity as attackers could potentially disrupt surveillance operations or manipulate recorded data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1059 for command execution and T1046 for network service scanning, while also enabling lateral movement within networks. The affected systems may serve as entry points for broader attacks on connected infrastructure, particularly in environments where video surveillance systems are integrated with other security controls. Additionally, the vulnerability could lead to regulatory compliance issues and potential liability exposure for organizations that fail to maintain secure firmware versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7230 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 3.29.67 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XXE vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and restrict the import functionality to trusted administrative users only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary XML processing capabilities, implementing robust input validation for all XML data, and conducting regular security assessments of networked devices. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XML processing activities or unauthorized access attempts to the import.cgi component. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious XML content and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing XXE vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing surveillance operations while maintaining the security posture of the overall system infrastructure.