CVE-2018-11240 in T-Router
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on SoftCase T-Router build 20112017 devices. There are no restrictions on the 'exec command' feature of the T-Router protocol. If the command syntax is correct, there is code execution both on the other modem and on the main servers. This is fixed in production builds as of Spring 2018.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11240 affects SoftCase T-Router devices running build 20112017, representing a critical security flaw in the router's protocol implementation. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the T-Router protocol's execution command feature. The flaw allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands on both remote modems and central server systems, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper authentication and authorization checks, enabling any user with access to the router's command interface to issue potentially harmful system commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the router's command execution subsystem where user input is directly passed to underlying system processes without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious command sequences that bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The T-Router protocol's design lacks proper input validation, allowing command injection attacks that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the executing process, typically root or administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially disrupt network services. The ability to execute commands on both modems and main servers creates a multi-layered attack vector where an initial compromise can quickly escalate to full network control. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on SoftCase T-Router devices for network infrastructure management, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the network perimeter. The exploitability of this flaw is high due to the lack of restrictions on the exec command feature, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11240 should focus on immediate firmware updates to production builds released in Spring 2018, which address the underlying access control deficiencies. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and firewall rules to limit exposure to the affected protocol, while also monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in network protocols, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other devices, particularly those implementing custom protocols without proper security controls. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes become critical for maintaining network security posture, as this vulnerability illustrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in severe security consequences.