CVE-2019-5162 in AWK-3131A
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable improper access control vulnerability exists in the iw_webs account settings functionality of the Moxa AWK-3131A firmware version 1.13. A specially crafted user name entry can cause the overwrite of an existing user account password, resulting in remote shell access to the device as that user. An attacker can send commands while authenticated as a low privilege user to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2024
The CVE-2019-5162 vulnerability represents a critical improper access control flaw within the Moxa AWK-3131A industrial network device firmware version 1.13. This vulnerability specifically affects the iw_webs account settings functionality, which governs user authentication and authorization mechanisms within the device's web interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control checks during user account management operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation and remote code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the device's authentication framework through carefully crafted input parameters that exploit the underlying account management functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specific username entry that bypasses normal account validation procedures. This crafted input triggers a buffer manipulation or parameter injection flaw that allows the system to overwrite existing user account passwords without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple password modification since it enables remote shell access to the device as the targeted user account. This represents a severe privilege escalation scenario where an attacker with low privilege access can leverage this flaw to gain elevated system access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be executed remotely through the web interface, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5162 poses significant risks to industrial control systems and network infrastructure managed by Moxa devices. Organizations relying on the AWK-3131A for industrial communications face potential unauthorized access to their networked devices, which could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or disruption of critical operations. The vulnerability's presence in the web-based management interface means that attackers can exploit it from external network positions without requiring physical access to the device. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices often operate in less secure network zones. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. The ability to execute commands as authenticated users undermines the device's security model and could enable attackers to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5162 should include immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the specific access control flaw in the iw_webs account settings functionality. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected device to only authorized personnel and systems. Regular security audits of industrial network devices should include verification of firmware versions and patch compliance to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual authentication patterns or attempts to modify user accounts. Additionally, implementing strong access control policies, including multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular user account reviews can help minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial firmware development, as outlined in security standards such as those defined by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001.