CVE-2022-28906 in N600R
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2022
TOTOLink N600R V5.3c.7159_B20190425 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the langtype parameter in /setting/setLanguageCfg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28906 affects the TOTOLink N600R router model running firmware version V5.3c.7159_B20190425. This device represents a consumer-grade networking appliance that falls within the category of wireless routers and access points commonly deployed in residential and small office environments. The affected device is particularly concerning due to its widespread deployment and the critical nature of the vulnerability present in its web-based management interface. The vulnerability exists within the language configuration settings handler, specifically targeting the langtype parameter in the /setting/setLanguageCfg endpoint, which is a core administrative function for configuring device localization settings.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability that occurs when the system fails to properly sanitize user input provided through the langtype parameter. This parameter is intended to specify the language configuration for the device's web interface but instead accepts arbitrary commands that get executed within the context of the router's operating system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing an attacker to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The flaw essentially enables an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and multifaceted across multiple threat vectors. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected router, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The attack surface extends beyond simple command execution to include potential data exfiltration, network traffic interception, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the local network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage command injection to execute malicious payloads. The compromised device can serve as a pivot point for further attacks against internal network resources, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the router serves as a gateway to sensitive systems. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or install malicious firmware updates that persist across reboots.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28906 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term defensive measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the latest firmware update provided by TOTOLink, which should include proper input validation and sanitization for the affected parameter. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised device, ensuring that router access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Access controls should be strengthened through the use of strong authentication mechanisms and limiting administrative access to specific IP addresses or ranges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories, particularly in web applications that handle user-provided data. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of network infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices, as this type of vulnerability is often present in embedded systems that lack robust security controls. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.