CVE-2022-31311 in AERIAL X 1200M
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2022
An issue in adm.cgi of WAVLINK AERIAL X 1200M M79X3.V5030.180719 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31311 affects the WAVLINK AERIAL X 1200M M79X3.V5030.180719 wireless router firmware, specifically within the adm.cgi web interface component. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input validation mechanisms. The affected device operates with a web-based administration interface that processes POST requests containing user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability resides in the handling of parameters passed to the adm.cgi script, which forms the core administrative interface for device configuration and management.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of the router firmware. Attackers can craft malicious POST requests containing specially formatted payloads that bypass security controls and are subsequently executed by the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection'), as the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into system commands without proper escaping or validation. The flaw allows for arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses multiple attack vectors that can compromise the entire network infrastructure. An attacker with remote access to the device can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for further network attacks. The vulnerability affects the device's administrative interface, which is typically accessible over the network, making it exploitable from external networks without requiring physical access. This creates a significant risk for enterprise and home users who may not properly secure their network administrative interfaces, as the device can be compromised from anywhere on the internet.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistent backdoor installation. Once exploited, attackers can modify device configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points that allow continued control over the network. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within networks, as compromised routers often serve as gateways to internal systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as attackers can leverage the command execution capabilities to deploy various malicious payloads. The impact is particularly concerning for organizations using these devices in enterprise environments where network segmentation and security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31311 should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network access controls. Organizations should disable unnecessary administrative interfaces, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in embedded system security. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in network infrastructure components. The incident underscores the critical need for robust security practices in IoT and networking equipment, particularly given the widespread deployment of such devices in both enterprise and residential environments.