CVE-2022-37082 in A7000R
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
TOTOLINK A7000R V9.1.0u.6115_B20201022 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the host_time parameter at the function NTPSyncWithHost.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37082 represents a critical command injection flaw within the TOTOLINK A7000R router firmware version V9.1.0u.6115_B20201022. This issue manifests through the host_time parameter in the NTPSyncWithHost function, which processes network time synchronization requests. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with elevated privileges on the affected device, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the router's web interface processing logic, creating a pathway for remote code execution through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending specially formatted parameters to the router's web management interface where the NTPSyncWithHost function processes time synchronization requests. When the host_time parameter is not properly validated, attackers can inject shell commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection respectively, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in web application and network device security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, indicating that attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-37082 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. Once an attacker gains command execution capabilities, they can manipulate network traffic, redirect DNS requests, install persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other network segments. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but entire network infrastructures, as routers typically serve as central points of connectivity and control. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting such compromises, as malicious activities can be conducted through legitimate management interfaces, making the attack harder to trace and identify.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the input validation flaws in the NTPSyncWithHost function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of compromised devices. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting web management access to trusted IP addresses and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular security assessments and network monitoring are essential to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious command execution patterns and parameter injection attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network device firmware development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing before deployment.