CVE-2018-13306 in A3002RU
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in formDlna in TOTOLINK A3002RU version 1.0.8 allows attackers to execute system commands via the "ftpUser" POST parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-13306 represents a critical system command injection flaw discovered in the TOTOLINK A3002RU router firmware version 1.0.8. This vulnerability exists within the formDlna component of the device's web interface, specifically targeting the "ftpUser" POST parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before processing it within the system context. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary system commands through crafted HTTP POST requests, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in system commands. The attack vector exploits the router's web administration interface where the "ftpUser" parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where command injection can occur. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious payloads through the web form, which are then executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. This presents a significant risk as the compromised device serves as a network gateway, potentially providing attackers with persistent access to the internal network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's underlying operating system. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to modify router configurations, install malicious firmware, create backdoor access points, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices. The vulnerability affects network security posture significantly since routers typically serve as critical infrastructure components with broad network access privileges. Organizations using affected TOTOLINK A3002RU devices face potential data breaches, network disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive internal systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13306 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the command injection vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of network infrastructure are essential to identify similar weaknesses in other network devices and prevent similar attacks across the enterprise network environment.