CVE-2022-37149 in WL-WN575A3
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
WAVLINK WL-WN575A3 RPT75A3.V4300.201217 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability when operating the file adm.cgi. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37149 affects the WAVLINK WL-WN575A3 RPT75A3.V4300.201217 wireless router model and represents a critical command injection flaw within the administrative web interface. This issue resides in the adm.cgi file which serves as the primary administrative control point for the device. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands. The specific vector of exploitation occurs through the username parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can trigger unauthorized command execution within the router's operating environment.
This command injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and presents significant security implications for network infrastructure devices. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web application process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-77 command injection weakness where user-controllable input directly influences command execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected device, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the wireless router's functionality. An attacker could potentially modify DNS settings, redirect traffic, disable security features, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's administrative interface, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials. This remote exploit capability significantly increases the attack surface and potential damage scope, as the device could be compromised from anywhere on the internet.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the command injection flaw, as well as network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure. Security professionals should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious command execution patterns and establish robust input validation controls at all application interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, and represents a classic example of insufficient sanitization of user inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns targeting the adm.cgi interface, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components.