CVE-2021-33965 in An Lianbao WF-1
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2022
China Mobile An Lianbao WF-1 V1.0.1 router provides a web interface /api/ZRMesh/set_ZRMesh which receives parameters by POST request, and the parameter mesh_enable and mesh_device have a command injection vulnerability. An attacker can use the vulnerability to execute remote commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2022
The CVE-2021-33965 vulnerability affects the China Mobile An Lianbao WF-1 V1.0.1 router, representing a critical command injection flaw in the device's web interface. This vulnerability exists within the /api/ZRMesh/set_ZRMesh endpoint which processes POST requests containing mesh_enable and mesh_device parameters. The flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious commands through these parameters, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the router's firmware, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by remote threat actors without requiring authentication.
This command injection vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically classifying as a command injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command and script injection technique under the execution phase, with potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and residential network environments where such devices are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-33965 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected router. This compromised device can then serve as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance, allowing attackers to map internal network topology and identify other vulnerable systems. The compromised router may also be used to redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or serve as a command and control channel for botnet activities. Additionally, the device's mesh networking capabilities could enable attackers to propagate compromise across multiple devices within the same network infrastructure, amplifying the potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from China Mobile or the device manufacturer, as well as network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromise. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The use of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help prevent parameter injection attacks, while regular security assessments of network infrastructure should identify similar vulnerabilities in other devices. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services, particularly those with known vulnerabilities, until proper patches can be applied. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in IoT devices that are often deployed without adequate security considerations.