CVE-2018-16752 in LW-N605R
Summary
by MITRE
LINK-NET LW-N605R devices with firmware 12.20.2.1486 allow Remote Code Execution via shell metacharacters in the HOST field of the ping feature at adm/systools.asp. Authentication is needed but the default password of admin for the admin account may be used in some cases.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2020
The CVE-2018-16752 vulnerability affects LINK-NET LW-N605R network devices running firmware version 12.20.2.1486, presenting a critical remote code execution risk through improper input validation in the device's web interface. This vulnerability exists within the ping feature implementation at adm/systools.asp, where the HOST field fails to properly sanitize user input, creating a dangerous path for command injection attacks. The flaw represents a classic security weakness that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web application user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to leverage shell metacharacters within the HOST field parameter, which then gets processed by the device's underlying command execution mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication with the default administrative credentials, which many users fail to change after device installation, making the exploit surface significantly larger than if authentication were required for every interaction.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains execution privileges, they can modify device configurations, establish persistent backdoors, access network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The default administrative password of "admin" creates a persistent risk that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.1.1 which covers legitimate credentials usage, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where security practices are lax. The affected device's role in network infrastructure means that compromise could lead to broader network disruption and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16752 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Organizations should immediately change the default administrative password to a strong, unique credential and disable unnecessary services where possible. The firmware update from LINK-NET addressing this vulnerability should be deployed as soon as possible, though many organizations may need to plan for device replacement if the manufacturer no longer supports the affected models. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of device compromise, and regular security audits should verify that default credentials have been changed across all network equipment. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and network monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they succeed.