CVE-2013-5948 in RT-AC68U
Summary
by MITRE
The Network Analysis tab (Main_Analysis_Content.asp) in the ASUS RT-AC68U and other RT series routers with firmware before 3.0.0.4.374.5047 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the Target field (destIP parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5948 affects ASUS RT-AC68U and other routers in the RT series that operate with firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.4.374.5047. This issue resides within the Network Analysis tab functionality, specifically in the Main_Analysis_Content.asp web page component that handles network diagnostic requests. The flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the destIP parameter of the Target field, which is processed by the router's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shell metacharacters within the destIP parameter that is submitted to the Network Analysis tab. When an authenticated user accesses the network analysis functionality and submits a maliciously crafted destIP value containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, the router's web server fails to properly sanitize this input before processing it in system commands. This lack of proper input validation creates a path for command injection attacks where attacker-controlled commands can be executed with the privileges of the web server process, which typically operates with elevated permissions on the router. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-77 and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with unauthorized remote code execution capabilities on the affected router devices. Once exploited, the attacker can gain full control over the router's operating system, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The attacker can modify router configurations, redirect network traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a launching point for further attacks against internal network resources. The authenticated requirement means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials for the router's web interface, but this is often achievable through default credentials, weak password policies, or credential theft attacks. The vulnerability affects not just the RT-AC68U but potentially other routers in the RT series, indicating a widespread impact across ASUS's product line.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5948 primarily involve immediate firmware updates from ASUS to version 3.0.0.4.374.5047 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation for the Network Analysis functionality. Network administrators should also implement strong authentication measures including the use of complex passwords, disabling default accounts, and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit access to router management interfaces, implementing firewall rules to restrict access to router web interfaces to trusted IP addresses only, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for proper security practices in embedded systems development, particularly those handling user input in contexts where system commands are executed. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in their network infrastructure.