CVE-2022-35525 in WN572HP3
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2022
WAVLINK WN572HP3, WN533A8, WN530H4, WN535G3, WN531P3 adm.cgi has no filtering on parameter led_switch, which leads to command injection in page /ledonoff.shtml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35525 affects several WAVLINK wireless router models including WN572HP3, WN533A8, WN530H4, WN535G3, and WN531P3. This issue resides within the administrative web interface configuration page known as adm.cgi which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters. The specific parameter led_switch lacks any input filtering mechanisms, creating a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious commands directly into the system. This vulnerability represents a classic command injection flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected devices with the privileges of the web server process. The affected page /ledonoff.shtml serves as the attack vector where the insecure parameter processing occurs, enabling remote attackers to manipulate the device's behavior through crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web application layer of the router's firmware. When users interact with the administrative interface to control LED settings, the led_switch parameter is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or encoding. This design flaw allows attackers to append malicious command sequences that get executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level within the web server environment, potentially providing attackers with full control over the device's functionality and access to sensitive system resources. The absence of input validation aligns with CWE-77 attack patterns, specifically command injection vulnerabilities that occur when untrusted data is passed to system commands. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the device's LED control functionality into executing arbitrary shell commands, which can escalate to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple LED control manipulation, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more extensive network infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this command injection flaw to execute arbitrary code on the affected routers, potentially gaining access to network traffic, modifying device configurations, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects multiple router models from the same manufacturer, indicating a systemic issue within the firmware development process that may impact a broader range of devices. Attackers could use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, monitor network communications, or redirect traffic through malicious proxies, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and home network environments where these devices are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-35525 should focus on immediate firmware updates provided by WAVLINK, as the vulnerability requires manufacturer-level patches to address the underlying code flaws. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, restrict access to the affected devices through firewall rules, and disable unnecessary web management services when possible. The implementation of input validation controls and proper parameter sanitization within the web application layer should be enforced to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly addressing the command injection threats that remain prevalent in embedded systems and network device firmware implementations.