CVE-2018-16130 in Mi Router 3
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in request_mitv in Xiaomi Mi Router 3 version 2.22.15 allows attackers to execute arbitrary system commands via the "payload" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16130 represents a critical system command injection flaw discovered in the Xiaomi Mi Router 3 firmware version 2.22.15. This issue resides within the request_mitv function which processes incoming HTTP requests without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the "payload" URL parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software applications that execute system commands using externally supplied data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command execution technique under the T1059.001 sub-technique, where adversaries leverage system interfaces to execute malicious commands. The affected Xiaomi Mi Router 3 operates on a Linux-based embedded system where the router's web interface processes user inputs directly without proper sanitization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying system through HTTP requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the router's functionality and potentially the entire network segment it manages. An attacker can execute commands such as disabling network services, modifying firewall rules, redirecting traffic, or even installing persistent backdoors on the device. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the router's administrative interface, which is often accessible from within the local network or potentially exposed to external access if proper network segmentation is not implemented. The command injection occurs at the application layer where the router's web server processes the payload parameter, executing system commands without proper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16130 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Xiaomi to address the identified command injection vulnerability. Network administrators should implement proper network segmentation to limit access to router administrative interfaces and enforce strict access controls through firewalls and access control lists. The implementation of input validation and sanitization mechanisms at the application level, combined with proper parameterized queries and secure coding practices, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious payload parameters and automatically block suspicious traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. This flaw serves as a reminder that even consumer-grade networking equipment can contain critical security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to compromise entire network environments.