CVE-2018-18388 : Security Advisory and Response

The eScan Agent Application (MWAGENT.EXE) version 4.0.2.98 in MicroWorld Technologies eScan 14.0 is vulnerable to a security issue that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

Understanding CVE-2018-18388

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in the eScan Agent Application that could be exploited by remote or local attackers to run malicious commands on the target system.

What is CVE-2018-18388?

The vulnerability in the eScan Agent Application (MWAGENT.EXE) version 4.0.2.98 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands by sending a specially crafted payload to TCP port 2222.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18388

The security flaw in MicroWorld Technologies eScan 14.0 could lead to unauthorized command execution on the affected system, posing a significant risk to data confidentiality and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18388

The technical details of the CVE-2018-18388 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables remote or local attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system by sending a specifically designed payload to TCP port 2222.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: eScan Agent Application (MWAGENT.EXE) version 4.0.2.98
Vendor: MicroWorld Technologies
Versions affected: eScan 14.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a carefully crafted payload to TCP port 2222, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-18388, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable access to TCP port 2222 if not required for essential services.
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to vulnerable services.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting port 2222.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the eScan Agent Application to the latest version.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe computing practices and the risks of executing unknown payloads.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that MicroWorld Technologies releases patches or updates to address the vulnerability in eScan Agent Application (MWAGENT.EXE) version 4.0.2.98.