CVE-2018-9080 in NAS
Summary
by MITRE
For some Iomega, Lenovo, LenovoEMC NAS devices versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier, by setting the Iomega cookie to a known value before logging into the NAS's web application, the NAS will not provide the user a new cookie value. This allows an attacker who knows the cookie's value to compromise the user's session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9080 represents a critical session management flaw affecting several Iomega and Lenovo NAS devices running firmware versions 4.1.402.34662 and earlier. This issue stems from improper session handling mechanisms within the web application interface of these network-attached storage devices. The flaw allows attackers to exploit a predictable cookie value to maintain unauthorized access to user sessions, effectively bypassing the normal authentication and session management protocols that should protect user accounts and system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices manufactured by Iomega and LenovoEMC, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and home office environments for centralized data storage and file sharing. The affected firmware versions indicate this was a widespread issue affecting multiple device models across different manufacturers, suggesting a systemic problem in the development and testing of session management components within these storage solutions. From a security perspective, this vulnerability directly violates fundamental principles of secure authentication and session management that are essential for protecting networked systems and user data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of weak session token generation and validation. When users attempt to log into the NAS web interface, the system should generate a unique, unpredictable session cookie that is tied to the user's authentication state and expires after a reasonable period. However, in the affected devices, the system fails to properly invalidate or replace existing session cookies when users log in, particularly when they provide a known cookie value. This creates a scenario where an attacker who has previously obtained a valid cookie value can reuse it to access the system without proper authentication. The vulnerability essentially allows for session fixation attacks, where the attacker can maintain persistent access to the system by leveraging the predictable nature of the cookie values. The root cause appears to be in the web application's session management logic, which fails to properly enforce authentication boundaries and maintain secure session state transitions. This weakness creates a persistent access vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain knowledge of the cookie value through various means such as network monitoring, previous successful logins, or other reconnaissance activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially catastrophic consequences for organizations relying on these NAS devices for critical data storage and file sharing operations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full administrative access to the NAS devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data corruption, or unauthorized modification of stored files. The persistent nature of the session compromise means that once an attacker obtains a valid cookie value, they can maintain access to the system for extended periods without detection, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for environments where continuous monitoring may not be in place. The vulnerability also affects the integrity and confidentiality of data stored on these devices, as attackers can access, modify, or delete files without proper authorization. Organizations using these devices may face significant compliance and regulatory issues if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in industries subject to data protection regulations such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors. The widespread nature of affected devices suggests that many organizations may be unknowingly exposed to this risk, potentially creating a large attack surface for threat actors who can leverage this vulnerability across multiple deployments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates and system hardening measures. Organizations must prioritize updating their affected NAS devices to the latest firmware versions that address the session management flaw, as provided by the manufacturers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session fixation vulnerabilities in web applications, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure authentication practices. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary web interfaces, restricting access to the NAS devices through firewalls, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and persistence techniques, as attackers can maintain long-term access to systems through compromised sessions. Organizations should also consider implementing session management monitoring to detect unusual authentication patterns and cookie usage, as well as establishing robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of secure authentication practices and the risks associated with predictable session tokens, while organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure.