CVE-2019-13650 in M7350
Summary
by MITRE
TP-Link M7350 devices through 1.0.16 Build 181220 Rel.1116n allow internalPort OS Command Injection (issue 2 of 5).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2024
The TP-Link M7350 device vulnerability CVE-2019-13650 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw that affects firmware versions through 1.0.16 Build 181220 Rel.1116n. This vulnerability resides within the device's internal port handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the command execution pathways that process incoming network requests. The issue manifests as an improper input validation flaw where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a direct descendant of the well-known command injection attack vector.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the internal port communication channel, which typically handles administrative functions and network management tasks. When legitimate administrative commands are processed through this port, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before executing them as system commands. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when sent through the internal port, will be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. This command injection allows for arbitrary code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain root access to the device, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning because internal ports often have fewer security controls than external-facing interfaces and may operate with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise to encompass potential network-wide security implications. Once an attacker gains access through this command injection flaw, they can leverage the device as a foothold for further network exploration and lateral movement. The M7350 device, being a network infrastructure component, could serve as a pivot point for attackers to target other devices within the same network segment. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The compromised device could also be used for malicious activities such as DNS tunneling, creating botnet nodes, or serving as a proxy for further attacks, making it a significant threat vector in enterprise and industrial network environments where such devices are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13650 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the root cause of the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to internal ports and restrict administrative access to only trusted sources. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unusual traffic patterns on internal ports. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of the network stack, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads, and establishing regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls that restrict which internal systems can communicate with the affected device and ensure that administrative functions are not accessible through internal ports without proper authentication and authorization mechanisms in place.