CVE-2022-21178 in LinkHub Mesh Wifi MS1G
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2022
An os command injection vulnerability exists in the confsrv ucloud_add_new_node functionality of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wifi MS1G_00_01.00_14. A specially-crafted network packet can lead to arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21178 represents a critical os command injection flaw within the confsrv component of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wifi MS1G_00_01 firmware version. This security weakness specifically affects the ucloud_add_new_node functionality, which serves as a network management interface for adding new nodes to the mesh network. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the command execution pipeline, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary operating system commands through crafted network packets. The affected device operates as a wireless mesh network controller, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure and gain unauthorized access to connected devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the system processes network packets containing specially crafted payloads designed to bypass input validation mechanisms. The flaw resides in how the ucloud_add_new_node function handles user-supplied data without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject command sequences that get executed within the context of the operating system. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 which defines command injection as the improper handling of externally-provided input that is interpreted as commands by the operating system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only network-level access to trigger the vulnerability, making it accessible to remote adversaries who can send malicious packets to the affected device without requiring physical access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can enable attackers to fully compromise the affected device and potentially escalate privileges within the mesh network. Once exploited, attackers can gain persistent access to the device, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects the core mesh networking functionality, potentially disrupting network operations and creating security gaps that could be leveraged for broader attacks against connected IoT devices. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The implications are particularly severe for mesh networks where a single compromised node can potentially affect the entire network infrastructure and connected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21178 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TCL to address the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected device's management interfaces, limiting exposure to unauthorized network traffic. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of mesh network components. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify command injection attempts and maintain comprehensive network logging for forensic analysis. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization in network management interfaces, as outlined in OWASP top ten category a03:2021 - injection flaws, which emphasizes the need for robust input handling mechanisms to prevent command injection attacks. Regular security audits of embedded network devices and firmware updates form essential components of defense in depth strategies against such vulnerabilities.