CVE-2022-25079 in A810R
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
TOTOLink A810R V4.1.2cu.5182_B20201026 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the "Main" function. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the QUERY_STRING parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25079 affects the TOTOLink A810R router model running firmware version V4.1.2cu.5182_B20201026 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the device's web interface. This vulnerability resides in the "Main" function of the router's web server implementation, where input validation mechanisms have been bypassed or inadequately implemented. The attack vector exploits the QUERY_STRING parameter that is commonly used in web applications to pass data to server-side scripts, making this a classic example of a web-based command injection vulnerability.
The technical flaw stems from improper sanitization and validation of user-supplied input within the router's web application layer. When the web server processes HTTP requests containing malicious payloads in the QUERY_STRING parameter, it fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are subsequently executed by the underlying operating system with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this command injection flaw can gain full control over the router's functionality, including but not limited to executing arbitrary code, modifying network configurations, accessing sensitive data, and establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability could enable attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, disable security features, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as the compromised device could serve as a command and control node.
Network security implications extend beyond individual device compromise, as routers serve as critical gateways in network infrastructure. A successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate DNS settings, redirect traffic to malicious servers, or disable firewall rules, potentially affecting multiple connected devices and users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a consumer-grade router model that is widely deployed in residential and small office environments, where users may not regularly update firmware or implement additional security measures. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for broader network infiltration, as routers often have access to internal network resources and may be less protected than other network components.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor if available, network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromise, and implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious command execution patterns. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web services on the router, implementing proper access controls for the web interface, and regularly auditing network configurations to ensure that security measures are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure devices where security failures can have widespread consequences. Organizations should also implement vulnerability management processes that include regular assessment of network devices for known vulnerabilities and proactive patching to prevent exploitation of similar command injection flaws.