CVE-2019-20048 in OmniVista 8770
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Alcatel-Lucent OmniVista 8770 devices before 4.1.2. An authenticated remote attacker, with elevated privileges in the Web Directory component on port 389, may upload a PHP file to achieve Remote Code Execution as SYSTEM.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-20048 affects Alcatel-Lucent OmniVista 8770 network management devices running firmware versions prior to 4.1.2. This represents a critical security flaw that allows authenticated attackers with elevated privileges in the Web Directory component to upload malicious PHP files and achieve remote code execution with SYSTEM-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the directory service component that operates on port 389, which is the standard port for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol services. This configuration creates a dangerous attack surface where an attacker who has already gained administrative access to the web interface can escalate their privileges further by leveraging a file upload vulnerability within the directory component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the OmniVista 8770's Web Directory service. When an authenticated user with elevated privileges attempts to upload files through the directory component, the system fails to properly validate file extensions or content types, allowing PHP files to be uploaded and subsequently executed within the web server context. This weakness aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files from untrusted sources without proper validation. The attack vector requires an attacker to already possess elevated privileges within the web interface, making this a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a simple authentication bypass. However, the severity is amplified because the resulting execution occurs with SYSTEM privileges, providing complete control over the device's operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20048 extends far beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over network infrastructure management systems. Once a remote attacker achieves SYSTEM-level execution, they can modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network management operations, as the OmniVista 8770 serves as a central management point for large-scale network deployments. The attack chain typically involves initial access through legitimate administrative credentials followed by exploitation of the file upload vulnerability to gain SYSTEM-level access, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1505.003 for Server Software Component for privilege escalation and execution.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading all affected OmniVista 8770 devices to firmware version 4.1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control fixes. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the Web Directory component from general network access, particularly restricting port 389 traffic to only necessary administrative hosts. Additional security controls should include monitoring for unauthorized file uploads in the directory service logs, implementing strict file type validation at the application layer, and deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PHP file upload patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege implementation, where administrative access should be restricted to only essential personnel with proper authorization. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential file upload vulnerabilities within similar network management systems and implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of security flaws.