CVE-2018-16232 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

IPFire Firewall prior to version 2.21 Core Update 124 is affected by a command injection vulnerability in the backup.cgi file, allowing unauthorized command execution by authenticated users with proper privileges.

Understanding CVE-2018-16232

This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in IPFire Firewall that could be exploited by authenticated users to run unauthorized commands.

What is CVE-2018-16232?

An authenticated command injection vulnerability exists in IPFire Firewall before version 2.21 Core Update 124 in the backup.cgi file, enabling users with the right privileges to execute arbitrary commands.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16232

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows authenticated users to execute unauthorized commands on the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16232

IPFire Firewall's vulnerability to command injection and its implications are detailed below.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the backup.cgi file of IPFire Firewall before version 2.21 Core Update 124 permits authenticated users to execute commands without proper authorization.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: IPFire Firewall
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions before 2.21 Core Update 124

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users with the necessary privileges accessing the affected page to run unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-16232 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IPFire Firewall to version 2.21 Core Update 124 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and permissions.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by IPFire to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.