CVE-2018-13023 in Mi Router 3
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection vulnerability in wifi_access in Xiaomi Mi Router 3 version 2.22.15 allows attackers to execute system commands via the "timeout" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13023 represents a critical system command injection flaw discovered in the wifi_access component of Xiaomi Mi Router 3 firmware version 2.22.15. This vulnerability resides within the web interface handling of the router's wireless access management functionality, specifically in how the system processes the "timeout" URL parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device by manipulating this parameter during HTTP requests to the router's web interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, categorizing it as a command injection vulnerability that occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system command execution without proper sanitization or validation. The affected parameter "timeout" is processed within the router's web application code and passed directly to system shell commands without adequate input filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web application process, typically running with administrative privileges on the router.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it allows remote attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. An attacker can execute commands such as modifying network configurations, disabling security features, creating backdoors, or even accessing the router's file system to extract sensitive information. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, enabling attackers to pivot to other networked devices and potentially establish persistent access to the entire local network infrastructure.
The vulnerability exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be performed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in unsecured or poorly configured network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to network traffic interception, DNS hijacking, port forwarding modifications, and establishing persistent command and control channels. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread deployment of affected Xiaomi router models, increasing the potential impact to numerous end users and organizations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Xiaomi to address the vulnerability, as the company has released patches for affected versions. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access or configuration changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure input validation in embedded web applications and highlights the need for robust security testing of network device firmware to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities in future deployments.