CVE-2018-1143 in N750
Summary
by MITRE
A remote unauthenticated user can execute commands as root in the Belkin N750 using firmware version 1.10.22 by sending a crafted HTTP request to twonky_command.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1143 represents a critical remote command execution flaw in Belkin N750 wireless routers running firmware version 1.10.22. This security weakness allows unauthenticated attackers to gain root-level access to the affected devices through a specially crafted HTTP request directed at the twonky_command.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the router's web interface implementation, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution without requiring any authentication credentials.
This flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack and specifically targets the web server component running on the affected Belkin routers. The twonky_command.cgi script appears to process user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the highest privileges available on the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature and the absence of authentication requirements, meaning any internet-connected attacker can exploit this weakness without needing physical access or prior credentials. The command execution occurs at the root level, providing complete control over the router's functionality, including network configuration changes, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the compromised network.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple device compromise, as it can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration activities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised router as a launching platform for attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-20 categories, specifically addressing command injection flaws and improper input validation issues that are commonly exploited in network device attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021 for remote services, enabling attackers to maintain persistent access and escalate privileges within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1143 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Belkin to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such compromises, while also deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable twonky_command.cgi endpoint. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the router's management interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments of networked devices to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in embedded network devices, highlighting the need for robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.