CVE-2018-7259 in FSX-P3Dv4 Installer
Summary
by MITRE
The FSX / P3Dv4 installer 2.0.1.231 for Flight Sim Labs A320-X sends a user's Google account credentials to http://installLog.flightsimlabs.com/LogHandler3.ashx if a pirated serial number has been entered, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information, e.g., by sniffing the network for cleartext HTTP traffic. This behavior was removed in 2.0.1.232.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7259 represents a critical security flaw in the Flight Sim Labs A320-X installer version 2.0.1.231 for Flight Simulator X and Prepar3D v4. This installer demonstrates a dangerous practice of exfiltrating user credentials to a remote server without proper encryption or authentication mechanisms. The flaw specifically triggers when users enter a pirated serial number during installation, which activates the malicious behavior of transmitting sensitive data to an external endpoint. The targeted server at http://installLog.flightsimlabs.com/LogHandler3.ashx serves as a command and control channel for credential harvesting, creating a significant risk for users who may unknowingly provide their Google account credentials during the installation process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installer's code structure that checks for valid serial numbers and then automatically initiates network communication with the remote logging server. This behavior represents a clear violation of secure coding practices and demonstrates poor security hygiene in software distribution channels. The use of cleartext HTTP communication instead of HTTPS creates multiple attack vectors for man-in-the-middle attacks, where network sniffers can easily capture the transmitted credentials. This flaw aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) categories, as the credentials are transmitted without proper encryption and stored in an unencrypted format. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1041 (Exfiltration Over C2 Channel) when considering the network communication patterns and data exfiltration methods employed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent threat vector for attackers who can leverage the stolen credentials for further malicious activities. Users who unknowingly install the compromised software become potential victims of account takeover, identity theft, and broader credential-based attacks. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also organizations that may deploy this software in corporate environments, potentially compromising enterprise security. The fact that this behavior was removed in version 2.0.1.232 indicates that the vendor recognized the severity of the issue, but the window of exposure between versions 2.0.1.231 and 2.0.1.232 represents a significant security gap where users were vulnerable to credential harvesting attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software supply chain security and the need for comprehensive code reviews to prevent such malicious behaviors from being introduced into legitimate software distributions.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate action from users who may have installed the affected version, including updating to the patched version 2.0.1.232 or later, monitoring for suspicious network activity, and implementing network segmentation to prevent unauthorized communication with the malicious endpoint. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and block communication with known malicious domains, as well as conducting thorough security assessments of all third-party software installations. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure software development practices and the need for continuous security testing throughout the software lifecycle. Users should be educated about the risks of using pirated software, as the vulnerability specifically activates when a pirated serial number is entered, highlighting the broader security implications of software piracy and the potential for malicious code injection in unauthorized software distributions.