CVE-2018-16158 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-16158 affecting Eaton Power Xpert Meter devices. Discover the impact, affected versions, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps to secure your systems.
Eaton Power Xpert Meter devices with versions earlier than 13.4.0.10 have a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute SSH logins with elevated privileges.
Understanding CVE-2018-16158
This CVE identifies a security issue in Eaton Power Xpert Meter devices that could lead to unauthorized SSH logins.
What is CVE-2018-16158?
The affected Eaton Power Xpert Meter 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices have a shared SSH private key across installations, enabling attackers to perform SSH logins with uid 0.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16158
The lack of proper access restrictions to the shared SSH private key makes it easier for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the devices.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16158
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Eaton Power Xpert Meter devices allows remote attackers to execute SSH logins with elevated privileges due to the shared SSH private key.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Eaton Power Xpert Meter 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices before version 13.4.0.10
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by using the shared SSH private key to perform SSH logins with uid 0.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16158 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade affected devices to version 13.4.0.10 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement proper access controls and restrict SSH key usage.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch devices to address security vulnerabilities.
- Monitor and audit SSH access to detect any unauthorized logins.
- Follow security best practices for SSH key management.
- Conduct security assessments to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Eaton.
Patching and Updates
- Refer to Eaton's security bulletin for specific guidance on patching and securing the affected devices.