CVE-2018-13314 in A3002RU
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in formAliasIp in TOTOLINK A3002RU version 1.0.8 allows attackers to execute system commands via the "ipAddr" POST parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13314 represents a critical system command injection flaw within the TOTOLINK A3002RU router firmware version 1.0.8. This issue resides in the formAliasIp function which processes network configuration parameters, specifically targeting the ipAddr POST parameter that is used to define IP address settings within the device's web interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web application process, typically running with administrative or root-level access to the device's operating system. The flaw constitutes a direct violation of input validation security principles and represents a classic command injection vulnerability that enables remote code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ipAddr parameter in POST requests sent to the affected router's web administration interface. When an attacker submits a malicious payload through this parameter, the system processes the input without proper sanitization, allowing command characters such as semicolons, pipes, or other shell metacharacters to be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. This injection occurs within the context of the web server process running on the router, which typically operates with elevated privileges due to the nature of network device management functions. The vulnerability specifically maps to CWE-77 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in system commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with full control over the device's network configuration, potentially enabling them to establish persistent backdoors, redirect traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further network exploration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass comprehensive network compromise and device takeover. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete administrative control over the TOTOLINK A3002RU device, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or the device being used as a command and control server for botnet activities. The router's role as a network gateway makes this compromise particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with privileged access to the entire local network segment. Additionally, the vulnerability affects devices running firmware version 1.0.8, indicating that this is likely a widespread issue affecting multiple units deployed in residential and small office environments. The attack vector requires only web-based access to the router's administration interface, making exploitation relatively straightforward for attackers with basic network knowledge. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in embedded network devices where insufficient sanitization can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13314 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the root cause of the command injection vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while also considering the deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls at the network perimeter can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Device vendors should enforce strict input sanitization practices and employ secure coding methodologies that prevent command injection vulnerabilities through proper parameter handling and escaping mechanisms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of network infrastructure should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other network devices. Organizations should also implement network access control lists and disable unnecessary administrative interfaces to minimize the attack surface available to potential attackers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security requirements for embedded systems and the necessity of robust input validation mechanisms in all network device software components.