CVE-2022-36479 in N350RT
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
TOTOLINK N350RT V9.3.5u.6139_B20201216 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the host_time parameter in the function NTPSyncWithHost.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36479 represents a critical command injection flaw within the TOTOLINK N350RT wireless router firmware version V9.3.5u.6139_B20201216. This issue resides in the Network Time Protocol synchronization functionality, specifically within the NTPSyncWithHost function that processes the host_time parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device by manipulating input parameters, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the host_time parameter which is processed by the NTPSyncWithHost function. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into command execution contexts. This creates an environment where arbitrary shell commands can be injected and executed with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1566 for phishing with social engineering techniques that could be used to deliver the malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. Once exploited, an attacker could access the device's command shell, modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The compromised router could then be used to intercept network traffic, redirect DNS queries, or serve as a launching point for attacks against other devices on the network. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to extract sensitive information such as login credentials, network configuration details, or even access to connected IoT devices. The affected firmware version represents a significant risk to home and small office networks where these routers are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36479 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as TOTOLINK has likely released patches addressing this vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to router management interfaces, particularly restricting access to the specific endpoint that handles the host_time parameter. Input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped and validated before processing. The principle of least privilege should be applied to router management services, limiting the number of users with administrative access. Organizations should also consider network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns or unusual network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of network infrastructure can help identify similar weaknesses in other network devices. The use of network access control lists and disabling unnecessary services on the router can further reduce the attack surface and potential exploitation vectors.