CVE-2022-25064 in TL-WR840N
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2022
TP-LINK TL-WR840N(ES)_V6.20_180709 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the function oal_wan6_setIpAddr.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2022
The CVE-2022-25064 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw identified in TP-LINK TL-WR840N(ES)_V6.20_180709 firmware versions. This vulnerability manifests through the oal_wan6_setIpAddr function, which processes network configuration parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device remotely, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability resides in the router's web interface handling of IPv6 address configuration parameters, specifically within the WAN6 (Wide Area Network) interface management functions. Security researchers discovered that the function fails to properly validate user-supplied input values, creating a path for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands directly on the router's operating system. This represents a significant concern for network administrators as it enables complete compromise of the device from external network locations without requiring authentication or physical access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the firmware's network configuration handling mechanisms. The oal_wan6_setIpAddr function processes parameters related to IPv6 address configuration without implementing proper sanitization checks or parameter validation. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests containing shell commands that get executed within the router's command execution context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection flaws that enable arbitrary code execution. The flaw essentially creates a path where user-controllable data flows directly into system commands without proper escaping or validation, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted HTTP requests. The affected device's web interface accepts parameters that should be restricted to valid IPv6 address formats but instead processes them as executable commands, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and privilege separation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to escalate their privileges from a basic network user to full system administrator access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25064 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of a single router device. Once an attacker gains remote code execution capabilities, they can establish persistent backdoors, redirect network traffic, monitor communications, and use the compromised device as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems. The vulnerability affects not only the router's local network but can also serve as a gateway for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where multiple devices share the same network infrastructure. Network administrators may experience complete loss of network control, unauthorized data exfiltration, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly concerning for organizations with limited network monitoring capabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, privilege escalation, and initial access through network services. The compromised router can be used to establish a persistent presence within the network, enabling long-term surveillance and attack staging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25064 require immediate action from affected organizations. The primary recommendation involves updating the firmware to the latest version provided by TP-LINK, which should contain patches addressing the input validation flaws. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks, particularly blocking access to the specific web endpoints handling WAN6 configuration parameters. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement network access controls that limit which systems can access router management interfaces, typically restricting access to authorized administrative workstations only. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices that may share similar firmware versions or architectural flaws. Regular network scanning and security audits should be performed to detect unauthorized access attempts or compromised devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust network security controls, as many organizations may have legacy devices that lack proper security updates or may not be regularly maintained. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems and monitoring for anomalous behavior can help identify exploitation attempts before they result in complete compromise of network infrastructure.