CVE-2022-25438 in AC9
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2022
Tenda AC9 v15.03.2.21 was discovered to contain a remote command execution (RCE) vulnerability via the SetIPTVCfg function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25438 affects the Tenda AC9 router model running firmware version v15.03.2.21 and represents a critical remote command execution flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. This vulnerability resides within the SetIPTVCfg function, which is part of the router's web interface handling mechanism. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands remotely without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively, which are fundamental security flaws that enable attackers to execute unauthorized operations on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of parameters passed to the SetIPTVCfg function through HTTP requests. When an attacker sends a specially crafted request containing malicious command sequences, the router fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them. This lack of input sanitization allows the system to interpret and execute arbitrary commands as if they were legitimate administrative instructions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited over the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The affected firmware version demonstrates a common pattern of insufficient security controls in embedded network devices, where developers often overlook proper input validation mechanisms for web-based administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root-level privileges on the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where routers serve as network gateways or contain sensitive infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable devices from anywhere on the internet, making it a significant threat to both residential and enterprise networks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability enables adversaries to execute code remotely, while T1021.001 represents the exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how this flaw can be leveraged for broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25438 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ports, particularly those related to the affected web interface functions. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include checks for outdated firmware versions and known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date embedded systems and proper input validation practices in network device development, as recommended by NIST SP 800-125 and OWASP Top 10 security guidelines. Organizations should also implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all networked devices.