CVE-2019-18308 in SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server (All versions). An attacker with local access to the MS3000 Server and a low privileged user account could gain root privileges by manipulating specific files in the local file system. This vulnerability is independent from CVE-2019-18309. Please note that an attacker needs to have local access to the MS3000 in order to exploit this vulnerability. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2024
This vulnerability exists within the SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server software where a local privilege escalation flaw allows low-privileged users to escalate their access to root level privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests through manipulation of files within the local file system, exploiting insufficient access controls and privilege validation mechanisms. The affected system operates under the assumption that local users with minimal privileges cannot elevate their permissions, creating a dangerous trust model that enables unauthorized privilege escalation. This represents a classic local privilege escalation vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and principle of least privilege enforcement. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-269 which specifically addresses improper privilege management and inadequate privilege separation within software systems. The attack vector requires physical or local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that does not require network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file system permission checks and privilege validation mechanisms within the MS3000 server environment. An attacker with a low privileged account can manipulate specific files in the local file system to gain root privileges, indicating a flaw in the system's privilege escalation controls. The system fails to properly validate the privileges of users attempting to access or modify critical system files, allowing unauthorized elevation of privileges through file manipulation techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates poor implementation of access control lists and file permission models, where the system does not properly enforce the principle of least privilege. The exploitation process involves identifying and manipulating specific system files that contain privilege escalation mechanisms or configuration parameters that control user access rights. The vulnerability is classified under attack technique T1068 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation techniques. This technique specifically targets systems where local access provides opportunities for privilege elevation through file system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized users to gain complete administrative control over the MS3000 Migration Server. Once escalated to root privileges, an attacker can modify system configurations, access all data stored on the server, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability undermines the entire security model of the system by providing a path for local users to bypass all access controls and gain unrestricted system access. Organizations using this software face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive operational data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal attack surface - only local access is needed, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. This type of vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise and is classified as a critical security flaw in enterprise industrial control systems. The lack of known public exploitation at the time of publication does not diminish its severity, as the potential for exploitation exists and could be weaponized by threat actors with local access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust local access controls and privilege management mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all system users have appropriate access rights based on their legitimate operational needs, implementing the principle of least privilege at all levels. System administrators should conduct regular security audits of file permissions and access controls, particularly for critical system files that could be exploited for privilege escalation. The system should be configured to enforce strict access controls and validate user privileges before allowing file modifications or system access. Security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability to address the identified privilege escalation flaw. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized local access attempts to the system. Additionally, organizations should implement proper user account management practices, including regular review of user access rights and removal of unnecessary accounts. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of industrial control systems and proper implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect against local privilege escalation attacks. Regular security training for system administrators on identifying and mitigating local access vulnerabilities is also essential to maintain overall system security posture.