CVE-2022-26996 in TR3300
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2022
Arris TR3300 v1.0.13 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the pppoe function via the pppoe_username, pppoe_passwd, and pppoe_servicename 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 CVE-2022-26996 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Arris TR3300 routers running firmware version 1.0.13. This vulnerability specifically targets the pppoe function within the device's web interface, exposing three vulnerable parameters: pppoe_username, pppoe_passwd, and pppoe_servicename. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the router's configuration handling process, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection weaknesses in software systems, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple command execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain complete control over the affected router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed consumer-grade router model, meaning that thousands of devices could be potentially compromised. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1059.001, this vulnerability enables an attacker to execute commands through the command and scripting interpreter, while T1021.001 covers the use of remote services for initial access and privilege escalation. The exposure of the pppoe parameters suggests that attackers could manipulate dial-up networking configurations to redirect traffic or establish unauthorized connections.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations and end-users. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade to the latest firmware version provided by Arris, which should contain patches addressing the command injection flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary services such as the web interface when not actively needed, implementing strict input validation on network boundaries, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in embedded systems design, as highlighted by CWE-122 which addresses buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to command injection. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known router vulnerabilities, and establish incident response procedures that include rapid firmware update deployment and device reconfiguration protocols.