CVE-2022-36459 in A3700R
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
TOTOLINK A3700R V9.1.2u.6134_B20201202 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the host_time parameter in the function NTPSyncWithHost.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36459 affects the TOTOLINK A3700R router model running firmware version V9.1.2u.6134_B20201202 and represents a critical command injection flaw that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. This vulnerability specifically resides within the NTPSyncWithHost function where the host_time parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the NTP synchronization functionality of the router's web interface. When the host_time parameter is submitted through the web form, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying operating system. This lack of input validation creates a direct path for command injection attacks where an attacker can append malicious commands to the host_time parameter, which are then executed with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise network devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the router's underlying system and potentially the entire network infrastructure it protects. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious servers, establish backdoors for continued access, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home network environments where such devices are often deployed in unsecured locations. Network administrators may find that the compromised router becomes a persistent threat vector that can be used for data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or as part of larger attack campaigns targeting connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36459 should begin with immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK if available, though many affected devices may no longer receive official support due to their age. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, while implementing network monitoring solutions can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with command injection attempts. Security professionals should consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services, implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to the router's management interfaces, and regularly auditing network device configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious command injection patterns and establishing incident response procedures that account for potential router compromise scenarios. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in embedded systems and web applications, serving as a reminder that network infrastructure devices often lack the security rigor typically applied to enterprise applications.