CVE-2022-27001 in TR3300
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2022
Arris TR3300 v1.0.13 were discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the dhcp function via the hostname parameter. 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-2022-27001 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw discovered in Arris TR3300 routers running firmware version 1.0.13. This vulnerability resides within the dhcp function of the device's web interface and specifically targets the hostname parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization, allowing maliciously crafted requests to be processed without adequate security checks. The vulnerability affects network infrastructure devices that are commonly deployed in residential and small office environments, making it particularly concerning due to the widespread use of these devices. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying operating system, potentially enabling further exploitation or lateral movement within networks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically representing command injection flaws that occur when a program passes untrusted data to a command that is executed in the operating system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command and control activity under T1059, where adversaries leverage system interfaces to execute commands. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through web-based attacks, making it highly accessible to threat actors regardless of their technical expertise level.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the dhcp function's hostname parameter processing. When a request is made to the affected router with a specially crafted hostname value, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into system commands. This allows attackers to inject additional commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting HTTP requests with malicious payloads that leverage shell metacharacters or command separators to append additional commands to the intended dhcp function. The affected firmware version 1.0.13 represents a specific release where this security gap was present, indicating that the vulnerability may have been introduced in a recent update or may have existed in the codebase for an extended period. The nature of the flaw suggests that the device's web interface does not properly escape or filter user input before passing it to system-level functions, creating a direct path for command injection attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to modify network configurations, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-27001 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation or command execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected networks. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the router, potentially leading to complete network takeover. The compromised device becomes an entry point for further attacks within the local network, allowing threat actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access. Network administrators may lose visibility into their network traffic and configurations, as attackers can modify or disable security features. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in unsecured environments where physical access is limited, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring physical presence. The impact is compounded by the fact that many users may not regularly update their router firmware, leaving them vulnerable for extended periods. Organizations relying on these devices for network infrastructure may experience significant security breaches, particularly in environments where the router serves as a gateway to more sensitive internal systems. The vulnerability also creates potential for widespread impact, as compromised routers can serve as launching points for attacks against other networked devices or external targets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-27001 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Arris, which would address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation and monitor network traffic for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services on the affected devices, reducing the attack surface. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure devices. The security community recommends that users check for firmware updates from the vendor and apply them immediately upon availability. Additional defensive measures include implementing network access controls, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns, and establishing incident response procedures specifically for network device compromises. Security professionals should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their network architecture and implement compensating controls such as network monitoring, logging, and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also review their patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates for all network devices, particularly those with remote management capabilities.