CVE-2018-7567 in Open Ticket Request System
Summary
by MITRE
In the Admin Package Manager in Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) 5.0.0 through 5.0.24 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.1, authenticated admins are able to exploit a Blind Remote Code Execution vulnerability by loading a crafted opm file with an embedded CodeInstall element to execute a command on the server during package installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2018-7567 represents a critical security flaw in the Open Ticket Request System OTRS platform, specifically affecting versions 5.0.0 through 5.0.24 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.1. This vulnerability resides within the Admin Package Manager component, which serves as a crucial administrative interface for managing system extensions and plugins. The flaw manifests as a blind remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated administrators, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing administrative privileges to escalate attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server during the package installation process, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the package manager's handling of opm files. When an administrator loads a crafted opm file containing an embedded CodeInstall element, the system fails to properly validate the contents of this element, allowing malicious code to be executed during the package installation process. This blind RCE occurs because the system does not adequately sanitize or restrict the execution of code elements within package metadata, creating an execution path where attacker-controlled code can be seamlessly integrated into the system's operational environment. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack vector requires authentication, but once authenticated, the attacker can leverage this privilege to perform arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7567 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying server infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, install backdoors, or deploy additional malicious software. The blind nature of the vulnerability means that attackers cannot directly observe command output, but they can still achieve their objectives through indirect methods such as command injection into network services or file system manipulation. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the administrative interface and can result in unauthorized access to customer data, system configuration files, and potentially other connected systems. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated attacker with administrative privileges who can upload and install malicious packages, making this particularly dangerous in environments where administrative accounts are compromised or where privilege escalation occurs through other means.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of OTRS, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that administrative accounts have the minimum necessary privileges. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict package validation procedures, monitoring package installation activities, and conducting regular security audits of installed packages. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing detection measures for suspicious package installation patterns and command execution activities. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security training for administrators regarding package management best practices and the risks associated with installing third-party packages is essential to prevent successful exploitation of this vulnerability and similar code injection flaws.