CVE-2018-19911 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-19911 affecting FreeSWITCH versions up to 1.8.2. Understand the impact, exploitation methods, and mitigation steps to prevent unauthorized command execution.
FreeSWITCH through version 1.8.2 with mod_xml_rpc enabled allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands via specific query strings, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Understanding CVE-2018-19911
If mod_xml_rpc is enabled on FreeSWITCH versions up to 1.8.2, remote attackers have the ability to execute unauthorized commands on TCP port 8080 through various query strings.
What is CVE-2018-19911?
FreeSWITCH versions up to 1.8.2 with mod_xml_rpc enabled are vulnerable to remote code execution through specific query strings, potentially leading to unauthorized command execution.
The Impact of CVE-2018-19911
- Remote attackers can execute unauthorized commands on TCP port 8080
- Exploitation can occur through query strings like api/system, txtapi/system, api/bg_system, or txtapi/bg_system
- Vulnerability can be exploited via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
- Default password "works" for the freeswitch account can be utilized in some cases
Technical Details of CVE-2018-19911
FreeSWITCH vulnerability details and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
- Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands via specific query strings on TCP port 8080
- Exploitation demonstrated through an api/system?calc URI
- Vulnerability can be exploited via CSRF
Affected Systems and Versions
- FreeSWITCH versions up to 1.8.2 with mod_xml_rpc enabled
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the vulnerability through query strings like api/system, txtapi/system, api/bg_system, or txtapi/bg_system
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2018-19911.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable mod_xml_rpc if not required
- Implement strong, unique passwords for all accounts
- Regularly monitor and audit network traffic
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing
- Keep software and systems up to date with the latest patches
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by FreeSWITCH to address the vulnerability