CVE-2018-18819 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

MiCollab versions 7.3 PR6 (7.3.0.601) and earlier, and 8.0 (8.0.0.40) through 8.0 SP2 FP2 (8.0.2.202), and MiVoice Business Express versions 7.3 PR3 (7.3.1.302) and earlier, and 8.0 (8.0.0.40) through 8.0 SP2 FP1 (8.0.2.202) have a vulnerability in their web conference chat component that could lead to unauthorized chat sessions and potential execution of arbitrary commands.

Understanding CVE-2018-18819

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the web conference chat component of specific versions of MiCollab and MiVoice Business Express.

What is CVE-2018-18819?

The vulnerability in MiCollab and MiVoice Business Express allows unauthorized chat sessions to be created due to inadequate access controls, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary commands.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18819

Exploiting this vulnerability successfully could result in the execution of arbitrary commands, posing a significant security risk to affected systems and potentially allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18819

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the web conference chat component of MiCollab and MiVoice Business Express versions allows for the creation of unauthorized chat sessions due to insufficient access controls, enabling potential execution of arbitrary commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

MiCollab versions 7.3 PR6 (7.3.0.601) and earlier, and 8.0 (8.0.0.40) through 8.0 SP2 FP2 (8.0.2.202)
MiVoice Business Express versions 7.3 PR3 (7.3.1.302) and earlier, and 8.0 (8.0.0.40) through 8.0 SP2 FP1 (8.0.2.202)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to create unauthorized chat sessions, exploiting inadequate access controls to potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest patched versions of MiCollab and MiVoice Business Express
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms
Monitor chat sessions for any unauthorized activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential risks

Patching and Updates

Mitel has released patches to address this vulnerability, and users are advised to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems.