CVE-2018-9853 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue concerning the absence of secure access control has been discovered in freeSSHd version 1.3.1. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain the same privileges as the freesshd.exe process by exploiting the ability to log in to a non-privileged account on the server.

Understanding CVE-2018-9853

Insecure access control in freeSSHd version 1.3.1 allows attackers to obtain the privileges of the freesshd.exe process by leveraging the ability to log in to an unprivileged account on the server.

What is CVE-2018-9853?

CVE-2018-9853 is a vulnerability found in freeSSHd version 1.3.1 that allows attackers to escalate their privileges by logging into a non-privileged account on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2018-9853

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and potential privilege escalation on systems running the affected version of freeSSHd.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-9853

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of the CVE-2018-9853 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in freeSSHd version 1.3.1 arises from insecure access control, enabling attackers to mimic the privileges of the freesshd.exe process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 1.3.1 (affected)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by logging into a non-privileged account on the server, allowing them to gain the same privileges as the freesshd.exe process.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-9853 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable non-essential accounts on the server.
Implement strong password policies for all accounts.
Regularly monitor and audit login activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for system administrators.
Implement access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.
Keep software and systems up to date with the latest security patches.
Consider using additional security layers such as multi-factor authentication.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that freeSSHd version 1.3.1 is updated to a patched version that addresses the access control vulnerability.