CVE-2018-14060 in R3D
Summary
by MITRE
OS command injection in the AP mode settings feature in /cgi-bin/luci /api/misystem/set_router_wifiap on Xiaomi R3D before 2.26.4 devices allows an attacker to execute any command via crafted JSON data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical operating system command injection flaw in the web interface of Xiaomi R3D routers running firmware versions prior to 2.26.4. The issue resides within the AP mode settings functionality accessible through the URL path /cgi-bin/luci/api/misystem/set_router_wifiap which processes JSON data containing configuration parameters for wireless access point settings. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The technical exploitation occurs when an attacker sends crafted JSON data to the vulnerable endpoint, which then processes the input without proper sanitization before executing system commands. The web interface appears to directly incorporate user-supplied parameters into system calls without appropriate filtering or escaping mechanisms, creating a direct path for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the router's administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the device's network functions, modify routing tables, access internal network resources, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires no authentication for exploitation, making it highly dangerous in unsecured network environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to compromise the entire network infrastructure controlled by the affected router. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, disable security features, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the core network functionality of the device, potentially disrupting services and creating persistent access points for malicious actors. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the compromised device could be used to escalate privileges within the network. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of network infiltration and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to version 2.26.4 or later, which address the input validation flaws in the affected API endpoint. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromise and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in network devices, and serves as a reminder of the critical security implications of inadequate sanitization of system command inputs.