CVE-2018-9075 in NAS
Summary
by MITRE
For some Iomega, Lenovo, LenovoEMC NAS devices versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier, when joining a PersonalCloud setup, an attacker can craft a command injection payload using backtick "``" characters in the client:password parameter. As a result, arbitrary commands may be executed as the root user. The attack requires a value __c and iomega parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-9075 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting specific Iomega, Lenovo, and LenovoEMC network attached storage devices running firmware versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the PersonalCloud setup functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious payload using backtick characters within the client:password parameter during the device joining process, demonstrating a classic command injection vulnerability that directly violates security principles of input validation and privilege separation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of the client:password parameter during the PersonalCloud setup phase, where the system directly incorporates user-supplied input into system commands without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The backtick character injection technique enables command substitution, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as the root user, which represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability. The attack requires specific parameter values including __c and iomega parameters, indicating that the exploitation involves a targeted approach that leverages the device's configuration and setup protocols rather than a generic attack vector. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS command injection flaws, and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9075 is devastating for affected organizations as it provides attackers with root-level access to network attached storage devices, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system modification, and persistent access to network resources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised devices as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects enterprise storage solutions that may contain sensitive corporate data, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to access critical business information. Organizations using these devices face potential compliance violations and significant security risk exposure, as the vulnerability essentially provides attackers with unrestricted access to the device's operating system and all stored data. The attack vector requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed remotely without requiring physical access or legitimate user credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9075 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Iomega, Lenovo, and LenovoEMC to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected NAS devices from critical network segments and establish monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary services and features related to PersonalCloud setup functionality until patches are applied. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for systems handling user-supplied data in command contexts. Implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development, emphasizing the critical need for proper input validation and privilege separation mechanisms in networked storage solutions.