CVE-2018-7950 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
The iBMC (Intelligent Baseboard Management Controller) of some Huawei servers have a JSON injection vulnerability due to insufficient input validation. An authenticated, remote attacker can launch a JSON injection to modify the password of administrator. Successful exploit may allow attackers to obtain the management privilege of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-7950 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Huawei's iBMC (Intelligent Baseboard Management Controller) firmware affecting certain server models. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the JSON processing components of the management controller, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The iBMC serves as a critical out-of-band management interface that provides administrators with remote access to server hardware configuration, monitoring, and control functions. When an attacker successfully exploits this JSON injection vulnerability, they can manipulate the authentication mechanisms of the management controller to modify administrator passwords, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the system's management interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the CWE-74 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, specifically manifesting as a JSON injection flaw. This type of vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data containing special JSON characters or sequences is directly processed by the application without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker to inject malicious JSON content that can manipulate the password modification functionality of the iBMC interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the management layer, bypassing normal application security controls and directly targeting the authentication mechanisms that protect system access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the fundamental security posture of affected Huawei servers by enabling unauthorized privilege escalation. Once an attacker successfully modifies administrator credentials, they can assume full management control over the server hardware, including the ability to configure system settings, monitor hardware status, access logs, and potentially manipulate system firmware. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with network access to the iBMC interface, while the authenticated requirement suggests that attackers must first obtain valid credentials or exploit a separate initial compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for Valid Accounts, as it allows adversaries to maintain persistent access through compromised administrative credentials.
The security implications extend beyond immediate credential compromise, as the iBMC interface typically provides access to sensitive system information and control functions that could enable further attacks within the network. Organizations running affected Huawei servers face significant risk of unauthorized system access, potential data breaches, and loss of administrative control over critical infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in management interfaces, particularly those handling authentication and authorization functions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the JSON injection flaw, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to iBMC interfaces, and enhanced monitoring of authentication events for suspicious activity. Additionally, organizations should review their access control policies and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to management interfaces, while implementing multi-factor authentication where possible to reduce the impact of credential compromise.