CVE-2018-17153 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in Western Digital My Cloud devices allows unauthorized access to administrative privileges without authentication.

Understanding CVE-2018-17153

What is CVE-2018-17153?

The vulnerability in Western Digital My Cloud devices prior to version 2.30.196 enables attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access without a password.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17153

Unauthorized attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain complete control over the affected device, compromising its security and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17153

Vulnerability Description

Attackers can create a valid session without authentication by utilizing a specific command within the network_mgr.cgi CGI module.
This unauthorized access allows the execution of admin-level commands by setting the "username=admin" cookie.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Western Digital
Product: My Cloud
Affected Versions: Prior to 2.30.196

Exploitation Mechanism

By using the "cgi_get_ipv6" command with a specific parameter, attackers can initiate an admin session tied to their IP address, enabling the execution of privileged commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected Western Digital My Cloud devices to version 2.30.196 or later.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication to enhance device security.
Regularly review and apply security patches and updates to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Western Digital has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these updates to secure the My Cloud devices.