CVE-2018-13316 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 "subnet" POST parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-13316 represents a critical command injection flaw in the TOTOLINK A3002RU router firmware version 1.0.8. This issue resides within the formAliasIp functionality where the application fails to properly sanitize user input, specifically the "subnet" parameter submitted through POST requests. The flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary system commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web application, typically root or administrative level access. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to distinguish between legitimate user data and malicious command sequences.
This command injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the router's web interface functionality. When an attacker submits a crafted POST request containing malicious commands within the subnet parameter, the system processes this input without adequate sanitization. The affected parameter is processed through shell execution functions that concatenate user input directly into system commands, creating an environment where arbitrary code execution becomes possible. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as it involves the injection of commands into a command interpreter, specifically through web application interfaces. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the router's administrative interface, which typically operates with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple command execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains complete control over the affected router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or even use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where routers serve as critical network infrastructure components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it allows for both command execution and privilege escalation within the network environment. The compromised device can become part of a botnet or be used for man-in-the-middle attacks against internal network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13316 require immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the input validation deficiencies. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to untrusted networks. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing input validation rules can help detect and block malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts.