CVE-2022-26188 in N600R
Summary
by MITRE • 03/23/2022
TOTOLINK N600R V4.3.0cu.7570_B20200620 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via /setting/NTPSyncWithHost.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2022
The CVE-2022-26188 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in TOTOLINK N600R routers running firmware version V4.3.0cu.7570_B20200620. This vulnerability specifically affects the Network Time Protocol synchronization feature accessible through the /setting/NTPSyncWithHost endpoint, making it a significant security risk for network infrastructure. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with access to the router's web interface to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, potentially compromising the entire network device and its connected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the router's web application interface. When users configure NTP synchronization settings through the /setting/NTPSyncWithHost endpoint, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into system commands. This classic command injection vulnerability enables attackers to append malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web application process, typically running with administrative privileges on the router. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89, which categorize command injection flaws and SQL injection respectively, though the specific implementation involves command execution rather than database queries. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, modify network configurations, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26188 extends beyond simple command execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged for broader network compromise. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over the router, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or the establishment of persistent command and control channels. The vulnerability's accessibility through the web interface means that it can be exploited remotely if the router is exposed to untrusted networks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be properly implemented. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1021.001 (Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol) as it enables command execution and remote access capabilities that align with these tactics. The affected TOTOLINK N600R model represents a common consumer-grade router that often lacks robust security features, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent network footholds.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26188 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict access controls limiting administrative access to router interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify NTP settings or other critical configurations. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical infrastructure, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns in router logs. Security teams should also consider deploying network monitoring tools capable of detecting anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular firmware updates and security assessments for network infrastructure devices, particularly those running embedded operating systems that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for personnel who manage network devices to prevent unauthorized configuration changes that could expose the network to similar threats.