CVE-2017-18370 in P660HN-T1A
Summary
by MITRE
The ZyXEL P660HN-T1A v2 TCLinux Fw #7.3.37.6 router distributed by TrueOnline has a command injection vulnerability in the Remote System Log forwarding function, which is only accessible by an authenticated user. The vulnerability is in the logSet.asp page and can be exploited through the ServerIP parameter. Authentication can be achieved by exploiting CVE-2017-18371.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2023
The CVE-2017-18370 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in ZyXEL P660HN-T1A v2 routers running firmware version 7.3.37.6, which were distributed by TrueOnline. This vulnerability specifically targets the Remote System Log forwarding functionality within the router's web interface, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous administrative features can become entry points for sophisticated attacks. The flaw exists in the logSet.asp page where user input is improperly sanitized, creating a pathway for malicious command execution that could compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the ServerIP parameter within the logSet.asp page, which serves as the attack vector for command injection. This vulnerability falls under CWE-77, known as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", a classification that directly addresses the improper handling of user-supplied input that gets executed as system commands. The authentication requirement for exploitation makes this vulnerability slightly more complex to exploit compared to unauthenticated flaws, but still represents a significant risk as demonstrated by the chained exploitation possibility with CVE-2017-18371.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18370 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This could lead to complete system compromise, allowing threat actors to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate network data, or use the compromised router as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home network environments where these routers are deployed, potentially exposing sensitive data and creating attack vectors for lateral movement. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers could leverage the compromised system for command execution and data exfiltration.
The chained exploitation scenario involving CVE-2017-18371 highlights the dangerous potential for cascading security failures within network infrastructure, where a single vulnerability can lead to complete network compromise. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader network security hygiene, particularly in environments where legacy router firmware remains unpatched. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from ZyXEL, network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date inventory of network devices to identify and remediate such exposure points effectively.