CVE-2019-13150 in TEW-827DRU
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in TRENDnet TEW-827DRU firmware before 2.05B11. There is a command injection in apply.cgi (exploitable with authentication). The command injection exists in the key ip_addr.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13150 affects TRENDnet TEW-827DRU wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 2.05B11. This represents a critical command injection flaw that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The vulnerability resides within the apply.cgi web interface script, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation. The specific vector involves the ip_addr parameter where commands can be injected, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying operating system directly. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which categorizes command injection flaws as a significant security risk due to their potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insufficient input validation issue where the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands. When an authenticated user submits malicious input through the ip_addr field in the apply.cgi script, the firmware processes this input directly without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to append additional commands that get executed by the system shell, potentially providing complete control over the router's functionality. The authentication requirement means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but once authenticated, they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to the device's underlying operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker with authenticated access could use this vulnerability to redirect network traffic, establish backdoors, modify network configurations, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the local network. The affected device serves as a gateway for network traffic, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to maintain persistent access or conduct further reconnaissance. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically highlighting how adversaries can execute malicious code through system command interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13150 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.05B11 or later, which address the command injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and validation. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls and authentication measures, including strong password policies and multi-factor authentication where possible. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised device, regular security audits of network equipment, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious command execution attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping network infrastructure firmware up to date and the necessity of proper input validation in web applications to prevent command injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.