CVE-2022-35535 in WN572HP3
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2022
WAVLINK WN572HP3, WN533A8, WN530H4, WN535G3, WN531P3 wireless.cgi has no filtering on parameter macAddr, which leads to command injection in page /wifi_mesh.shtml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35535 affects several WAVLINK wireless router models including WN572HP3, WN533A8, WN530H4, WN535G3, and WN531P3. This issue resides within the wireless.cgi script which handles wireless mesh configuration parameters. The primary flaw manifests in the lack of proper input validation for the macAddr parameter, creating a critical command injection vulnerability that can be exploited through the /wifi_mesh.shtml page. This vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input sanitization that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter validation within the wireless.cgi script. When the macAddr parameter is processed without adequate filtering or sanitization, malicious users can inject command sequences that get executed by the underlying system shell. The vulnerability specifically impacts the wireless mesh functionality of these routers, where the macAddr parameter is used to identify mesh network devices. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to inject shell commands that bypass normal access controls and execute with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker with network access to the affected routers can gain unauthorized control over the device, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The command injection allows for arbitrary code execution, which could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or even use the compromised devices as part of a botnet. The vulnerability affects the core wireless mesh functionality, which is critical for maintaining network connectivity and security in mesh network deployments. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on these devices for their wireless infrastructure, particularly in enterprise environments where network segmentation and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening. Device manufacturers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all parameters processed by the wireless.cgi script, particularly those that may be used in system command execution contexts. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing special shell metacharacters or command delimiters. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to these administrative interfaces, implement network access controls, and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the potential for remote code execution when such controls are absent. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.