CVE-2022-25081 in T10
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
TOTOLink T10 V5.9c.5061_B20200511 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-2022-25081 affects TOTOLink T10 routers running firmware version V5.9c.5061_B20200511, representing a critical command injection flaw within the device's web interface. This issue resides in the "Main" function of the router's web server implementation, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the QUERY_STRING parameter, which is commonly used in web applications to pass data to server-side scripts. When an attacker crafts a malicious query string containing shell metacharacters or command delimiters, the router's web server processes this input without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, both of which address command injection and code injection flaws respectively. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject operating system commands directly into the router's command execution pipeline, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This occurs because the web server component does not properly validate or escape input parameters before passing them to system-level functions that execute shell commands. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where HTTP request parameters are directly interpreted and executed without proper input filtering or context-aware escaping mechanisms.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security and device integrity. An attacker with access to the router's web interface can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device. This could enable attackers to modify router configurations, install malicious software, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, as routers serve as critical network gateways. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the router's web interface, and the attack surface includes all devices running the affected firmware version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25081 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLink, as this represents the most effective solution to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious query strings, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services on network devices, as well as implementing strong access controls and regular credential rotation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints may lead to insufficient security controls. This issue highlights the necessity for manufacturers to implement robust security testing and validation processes during development cycles to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.