CVE-2018-14714 in RT-AC3200
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in appGet.cgi on ASUS RT-AC3200 version 3.0.0.4.382.50010 allows attackers to execute system commands via the "load_script" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14714 represents a critical system command injection flaw discovered in the ASUS RT-AC3200 router firmware version 3.0.0.4.382.50010. This vulnerability exists within the appGet.cgi web application component that handles various administrative functions for the router's web interface. The flaw specifically manifests when processing the "load_script" URL parameter, which is designed to load and execute scripts within the router's operating environment. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-77 as it involves the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input validation and sanitization within a web application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the router's web server component. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with a specially formatted "load_script" parameter, the router fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before passing it to the underlying operating system commands. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are then executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability can be exploited through a simple HTTP GET request to the vulnerable endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication or prior access to the device. The command injection occurs at the system level where the router's firmware processes the script loading request, bypassing normal security boundaries and potentially allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, representing a significant risk to network security infrastructure. An unauthenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected router, potentially gaining complete control over the device's operations. This includes the ability to modify router configurations, access network traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the router's core administrative functionality and can lead to complete network compromise, especially in environments where the router serves as a gateway or firewall. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability exists in the web-based administration interface, which is typically accessible from external networks if port forwarding is configured, making it exploitable from the internet without requiring physical access to the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14714 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ASUS to address the command injection vulnerability. Network administrators should ensure all affected ASUS RT-AC3200 devices are updated to firmware versions that properly validate and sanitize the "load_script" parameter input. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web administration interface can significantly reduce the attack surface. The use of intrusion detection systems and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns may help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web services and ports on the router, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of their network infrastructure. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices in network infrastructure devices and the importance of regular security updates in maintaining network security posture.