CVE-2022-30105 in N300
Summary
by MITRE • 05/18/2022
In Belkin N300 Firmware 1.00.08, the script located at /setting_hidden.asp, which is accessible before and after configuring the device, exhibits multiple remote command injection vulnerabilities. The following parameters in the [form name] form; [list vulnerable parameters], are not properly sanitized after being submitted to the web interface in a POST request. With specially crafted parameters, it is possible to inject a an OS command which will be executed with root privileges, as the web interface, and all processes on the device, run as root.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30105 represents a critical remote command injection flaw within the Belkin N300 wireless router firmware version 1.00.08. This vulnerability exists in the /setting_hidden.asp script which serves as a hidden administrative interface accessible both before and after device configuration. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application layer, specifically affecting parameters within a form structure that processes user-supplied data through POST requests. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and manifests as a direct consequence of insufficient data sanitization practices in web application development.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers submit maliciously crafted parameters to the vulnerable form, bypassing normal input validation controls that should prevent dangerous characters and sequences from being processed. The affected parameters within the form structure allow for arbitrary command execution because the firmware fails to properly escape or filter user input before passing it to underlying operating system commands. Since the web interface and all associated processes operate with root privileges, successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the device, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system permissions. This privilege escalation scenario represents a severe security risk that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-30105 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker with access to the affected router can establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's exposure through the hidden web interface means that even unconfigured devices remain at risk, as the script is accessible without authentication. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation, as it does not require prior access credentials or device configuration. The implications for network security are significant, as compromised routers can serve as persistent entry points for advanced persistent threats or facilitate lateral movement within corporate or residential networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Belkin, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing the input sanitization issues. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to administrative ports, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation at multiple layers of application architecture and underscores the critical need for secure coding practices in embedded systems development. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify command injection attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation of such critical vulnerabilities.