CVE-2017-15613 in WVR
Summary
by MITRE
TP-Link WVR, WAR and ER devices allow remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary commands via command injection in the new-interface variable in the cmxddns.lua file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15613 affects TP-Link WVR, WAR, and ER series network devices, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the cmxddns.lua file where the new-interface variable is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious command execution. The flaw specifically targets the device's management interface, allowing attackers who have already established administrative credentials to escalate their privileges and gain full system control.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-77, which occurs when a program incorporates untrusted data into a command without proper sanitization or escaping. The cmxddns.lua script processes the new-interface parameter without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the device's shell environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of an authenticated administrative session, eliminating the need for additional privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected network devices. Once exploited, adversaries can manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple TP-Link device models including WVR, WAR, and ER series, indicating a widespread exposure across various network security appliances. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations relying on these devices for network security and management functions.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework tactics including TA0002 (Execution) and TA0003 (Persistence), as successful exploitation enables both command execution and potential long-term access to network infrastructure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from TP-Link, network segmentation to limit administrative access, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied parameters in network device management interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.