CVE-2019-7262 in Linear eMerge E3
Summary
by MITRE
Linear eMerge E3-Series devices allow Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF).
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The Linear eMerge E3-Series devices represent a line of network-based security appliances designed for enterprise environments, particularly focused on providing secure access and authentication services. These devices typically serve as critical components in network infrastructure, managing user authentication and access control for various network resources. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-7262 specifically targets the web-based management interface of these devices, creating a significant security risk for organizations that rely on them for network access control and authentication services. This vulnerability resides within the device's web administration portal which is commonly used by network administrators to configure and manage device settings, user access, and security policies.
The technical flaw in CVE-2019-7262 manifests as a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability that allows an attacker to perform unauthorized administrative actions on the affected device without proper authentication. This type of vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly validate the origin of HTTP requests submitted through the web interface, enabling malicious actors to craft specially crafted web pages or links that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, execute unintended administrative commands on the device. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper anti-CSRF tokens or mechanisms that would verify the authenticity of requests originating from the legitimate web interface rather than from external malicious sources. This weakness directly maps to CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities in web applications and devices. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate device configurations, potentially leading to complete compromise of the authentication system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it could enable attackers to gain complete administrative control over the device and potentially the entire network segment it protects. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify user access permissions, disable security features, create backdoor accounts, or redirect authentication requests to malicious servers. This represents a critical threat to network security infrastructure, as the eMerge E3-Series devices often serve as the primary gatekeepers for enterprise network access, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to network resources. The vulnerability could be exploited through social engineering techniques where administrators are tricked into visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments that contain the malicious CSRF payloads. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing, as the exploitation requires administrator interaction and leverages the trust relationship between the device and its authenticated users.
Organizations utilizing Linear eMerge E3-Series devices should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying manufacturer-provided security patches or firmware updates that address the CSRF implementation flaw. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit administrative access to these devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the management interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block CSRF attacks, monitoring network traffic for suspicious administrative requests, and conducting regular security assessments of the device management interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in network appliance design, emphasizing the need for robust security testing during development and deployment phases. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access to these critical devices and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential CSRF attacks against network security infrastructure components.