CVE-2008-6554 in ADSL Router
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-bin/script in Aztech ADSL2/2+ 4-port router 3.7.0 build 070426 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6554 affects the Aztech ADSL2/2+ 4-port router running firmware version 3.7.0 build 070426 and specifically targets the cgi-bin/script component. This represents a critical command injection flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web interface's scripting component, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization or filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the query string parameter in the cgi-bin/script endpoint. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell process and executed with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's command execution environment, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the entire network segment protected by the affected router. Network administrators may find their devices compromised without any indication of unauthorized access, as the malicious commands execute silently in the background. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for home and small office environments where such devices are often left unprotected by additional network security measures.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which specifically address command injection and code injection flaws respectively. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the execution phase of the attack chain as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where adversaries seek to execute code on compromised systems. The vulnerability also relates to the privilege escalation and persistence tactics commonly employed by threat actors targeting network infrastructure devices. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation controls, disable unnecessary services, and apply firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization in web applications, particularly those interfacing with system-level processes, and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure devices before deployment in production environments.