CVE-2022-31446 in AC18
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2022
Tenda AC18 router V15.03.05.19 and V15.03.05.05 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the Mac parameter at ip/goform/WriteFacMac.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31446 affects Tenda AC18 wireless routers running firmware versions V15.03.05.19 and V15.03.05.05, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables unauthorized attackers to gain full system control without authentication. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the router, specifically targeting the ip/goform/WriteFacMac endpoint which handles MAC address configuration parameters. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the router's firmware, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands through the Mac parameter field.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic command injection attack vector where the WriteFacMac endpoint fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input values. When an attacker submits malicious data through the Mac parameter, the router's web server processes this input without adequate sanitization, resulting in the execution of arbitrary shell commands on the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 based on the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication credentials, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to network security as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the router's web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or even use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, highlighting the potential for lateral movement and persistent access. Network administrators face the challenge of defending against attacks that can occur from any location with internet access to the router's management interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31446 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda's official support channels, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices from general network traffic, restrict access to router management interfaces to authorized personnel only, and consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices. The security community should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints, while maintaining strict access control policies for all network management interfaces to prevent unauthorized system compromise.