CVE-2017-15617 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 iface variable in the interface_wan.lua file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15617 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 interface_wan.lua file where the iface variable is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious command execution. The flaw specifically targets the web-based management interface of these devices, allowing an attacker with valid administrative credentials to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the lua scripting environment of the router's web interface. When administrative users interact with the WAN interface configuration settings, the iface parameter is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where malicious input can be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The Common Weakness Enumeration classification for this flaw aligns with CWE-77, which describes command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is passed to an executable shell.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected network devices. Once exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web administration interface, potentially leading to network reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement 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 represents a significant risk to enterprise networks where these devices are deployed, as they often serve as critical gateways for network connectivity and security policy enforcement.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through the use of command injection. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already gained administrative credentials can exploit this flaw. The attack chain typically involves an authenticated administrator performing legitimate configuration changes, unknowingly triggering the command injection through malicious input in the iface parameter. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is shared or where credentials may be compromised through phishing or other social engineering attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the command injection flaw in the interface_wan.lua file. Network administrators should also implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters within web interfaces. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include vulnerability scanning for similar command injection flaws in other network devices and applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unpatched.