CVE-2018-5393 : Security Advisory and Response

TP-LINK's EAP Controller versions 2.5.3 and earlier lack RMI authentication, exposing a vulnerability to deserialization attacks.

Understanding CVE-2018-5393

What is CVE-2018-5393?

The TP-LINK EAP Controller is a software developed by TP-LINK for remote management of wireless access point devices. Versions 2.5.3 and earlier lack user authentication for RMI service commands, making them vulnerable to remote attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5393

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to potentially carry out deserialization attacks using the RMI protocol. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote control of the target server and execution of Java functions or bytecode.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5393

Vulnerability Description

The EAP Controller versions 2.5.3 and earlier lack RMI authentication, enabling unauthorized access to RMI service commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: EAP Controller
Vendor: TP-LINK
Versions Affected: <= 2.5.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit the lack of authentication in RMI service commands to carry out deserialization attacks through the RMI protocol.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to a patched version that includes proper authentication mechanisms.
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to address security vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an ongoing attack.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by TP-LINK to address the authentication vulnerability in EAP Controller versions.