CVE-2022-26213 in X5000R
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2022
Totolink X5000R_Firmware v9.1.0u.6118_B20201102 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the function setNtpCfg, via the tz parameters. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26213 affects the Totolink X5000R router firmware version 9.1.0u.6118_B20201102 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the setNtpCfg function. This issue resides in the network time protocol configuration handling mechanism where the tz parameter becomes a vector for malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the firmware's web interface processing logic, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the tz parameter within the setNtpCfg function, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system command executions. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing specially formatted input in the tz parameter, the firmware processes this unvalidated data directly within shell execution contexts, enabling full command injection capabilities. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution at the system level, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected device.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26213 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can result in complete device compromise, persistent backdoor installation, and potential network infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the router's management interface, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's time synchronization functionality, which is typically used for legitimate administrative purposes, making the attack vector more subtle and less likely to trigger immediate detection. Network administrators face significant risks including unauthorized network monitoring, data exfiltration, and potential use of the compromised device for launching attacks against external targets.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Totolink to address the command injection flaw in the setNtpCfg function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, disable unnecessary services and remote management features, and monitor network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions. Regular firmware updates and security patch management processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for security-by-design principles in firmware development to prevent such critical flaws from being introduced in the first place.