CVE-2022-34885 in MR2600
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2023
An improper input sanitization vulnerability in the Motorola MR2600 router could allow a local user with elevated permissions to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2023
The CVE-2022-34885 vulnerability represents a critical improper input sanitization flaw discovered in Motorola MR2600 wireless routers, which presents a significant security risk for network infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically affects the router's handling of user inputs within its web-based administrative interface, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors with elevated privileges. The flaw stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of input parameters that are processed by the router's firmware, particularly when handling commands or configuration data submitted through the management interface. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-20, which describes improper input sanitization or validation issues that can lead to various security consequences including code execution, data corruption, or unauthorized access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the flaw enables arbitrary code execution through improper input handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the router's web server component that processes administrative requests from connected clients. When legitimate users with administrative access submit specific inputs through the web interface, the router fails to properly sanitize these parameters before processing them, potentially allowing malicious payloads to be executed within the router's execution context. This issue is particularly concerning because it requires only local access with elevated privileges rather than remote exploitation, meaning that an attacker must first gain administrative access to the router's management interface. However, once this initial access is achieved, the vulnerability creates a path for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution that could compromise the entire network infrastructure. The flaw likely exists in how the router's firmware handles parameter parsing or command injection scenarios within its web administration portal, where input values are directly incorporated into system commands without proper validation or encoding.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-34885 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the router's functionality and compromise network security. A successful exploitation could allow threat actors to modify router configurations, redirect traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Motorola MR2600 routers for their network security, as these devices often serve as critical gateways between internal networks and external internet access. The implications are severe because compromised routers can become entry points for broader network infiltration, enabling attackers to pivot to other network segments, conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish command and control channels. Network administrators should be particularly concerned about the potential for this vulnerability to be leveraged as part of larger attack campaigns, where compromised routers serve as staging points for more extensive network intrusions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-34885 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest firmware updates provided by Motorola, which should contain patches specifically addressing the input sanitization flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit administrative access to router interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate business needs can access the management interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues within their network infrastructure and ensure that all connected devices maintain current security patches. The vulnerability's nature also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation within embedded systems, making it crucial for organizations to review their own software development processes to prevent similar issues in custom applications or firmware modifications.