CVE-2018-20841 in TripMate Titan HT-TM05
Summary
by MITRE
HooToo TripMate Titan HT-TM05 and HT-05 routers with firmware 2.000.022 and 2.000.082 allow remote command execution via shell metacharacters in the mac parameter of a protocol.csp?function=set&fname=security&opt=mac_table request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20841 affects HooToo TripMate Titan HT-TM05 and HT-05 wireless routers running specific firmware versions 2.000.022 and 2.000.082. This represents a critical remote command execution flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices without authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface of these routers, specifically in how the system processes the mac parameter within the protocol.csp URI path. The affected endpoint accepts requests with function=set, fname=security, and opt=mac_table parameters, creating a pathway for malicious input injection. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses the execution of code in a context that allows for command injection. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter with shell injection techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the mac parameter to include shell metacharacters that are not properly sanitized or escaped before being processed by the underlying system. When an attacker crafts a malicious request with specially formatted mac parameter values containing characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or other shell operators, the router's web server processes these inputs directly without proper validation, leading to unauthorized command execution. This flaw exists because the application fails to implement proper input sanitization or parameter validation mechanisms for user-supplied data within the security configuration management interface. The affected firmware versions demonstrate a lack of input filtering that should have been implemented at the application layer to prevent such injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level within the router's web interface, providing attackers with direct access to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the router's functionality, including the ability to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent backdoors. The compromised router can then serve as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network, potentially leading to broader security breaches. The vulnerability affects not only individual devices but also the overall network security posture of organizations relying on these devices, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting such attacks since the malicious activity occurs at the network infrastructure level, making traditional endpoint detection methods ineffective. The impact is further amplified because these devices are often deployed in environments where they operate with elevated privileges and have direct access to critical network resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from the vendor, which should include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent shell metacharacter injection. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and establish monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and restricting access to the router's administrative functions through network access control lists provides an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other devices running the same vulnerable firmware versions and ensure proper network monitoring is in place to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network infrastructure devices, as outlined in security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and command execution controls in network security implementations.