CVE-2018-9076 in NAS
Summary
by MITRE
For some Iomega, Lenovo, LenovoEMC NAS devices versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier, when changing the name of a share, an attacker can craft a command injection payload using backtick "``" characters in the name 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-2018-9076 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting specific Iomega and Lenovo NAS devices running firmware versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the share name modification functionality, creating an exploitable path for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes user-supplied share names containing backtick characters, which are interpreted as command substitution operators in Unix-like systems. The attack vector requires the presence of specific parameters including __c and iomega, indicating a targeted approach that leverages the device's web interface processing mechanisms. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 Command Injection, a well-documented weakness in software systems where user-controllable data is improperly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the share name parameter during configuration changes, where backtick characters trigger command execution within the device's operating system. When an attacker submits a malicious share name containing backtick sequences, the system fails to properly escape or validate these characters before processing, allowing the operating system to interpret and execute the embedded commands. The root privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to gain complete system control, potentially allowing them to modify device configurations, access stored data, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The requirement for specific parameter values __c and iomega suggests that the attack may need to be carefully crafted to match the device's internal processing logic and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9076 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over affected NAS devices. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate network configurations, access sensitive data stored on the device, modify user accounts, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects a range of enterprise storage solutions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these devices for data storage and sharing. The impact is further amplified by the fact that these devices often serve as central repositories for business-critical information, making them attractive targets for both external attackers and insider threats. Organizations may experience significant data loss, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions if these devices are successfully compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9076 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendors, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper input validation and sanitization measures. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices, restricting administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter indicates that this attack aligns with common penetration testing methodologies, making it essential for organizations to maintain robust security monitoring and threat detection capabilities to identify and respond to such attacks effectively.