CVE-2017-15630 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-remotesubnet variable in the pptp_client.lua file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15630 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 pptp_client.lua file where the new-remotesubnet variable is improperly handled, creating a pathway for malicious command execution. The flaw specifically targets the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol client functionality, which is commonly used for remote access VPN connections within enterprise network infrastructures.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a command injection attack vector that operates through the device's web administration interface. When an authenticated administrator submits data containing malicious commands through the new-remotesubnet parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it within a shell context. This design flaw allows attackers who have already gained administrative credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary system commands with the highest available privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as a command injection weakness, which is a well-documented and highly dangerous class of vulnerability that has been consistently ranked among the top cybersecurity risks.
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 modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network devices are often exposed to external networks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through the device's interface.
Network administrators should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates provided by TP-Link, which typically include input validation fixes and parameter sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting administrative access to only trusted users and networks. Regular security audits of network device configurations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the enterprise infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in network security implementations, particularly for devices that handle sensitive network protocols like VPN connectivity.