CVE-2022-37337 in Orbi Router RBR750
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2023
A command execution vulnerability exists in the access control functionality of Netgear Orbi Router RBR750 4.6.8.5. A specially-crafted HTTP request can lead to arbitrary command execution. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2023
This vulnerability resides within the access control mechanisms of Netgear Orbi Router RBR750 firmware version 4.6.8.5, representing a critical command execution flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the router's web interface handling of HTTP requests, where insufficient input validation permits maliciously crafted requests to bypass authentication controls and directly invoke system commands. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, exploiting improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the router's administrative interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where an attacker can manipulate HTTP request parameters to inject malicious commands into the router's underlying operating system. This occurs because the router's web server fails to properly validate or sanitize input received through HTTP headers or form parameters before processing them within system call contexts. The vulnerability requires authentication, meaning an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to exploit the flaw, though this authentication requirement does not prevent exploitation once credentials are compromised. This weakness aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically addressing improper input validation and command injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The compromised router can then serve as a pivot point for further attacks against internal network resources, potentially enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, T1021.001 for remote services, and T1046 for network service scanning, making it a valuable target for threat actors seeking network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Netgear, which would address the input validation deficiencies and patch the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions within network infrastructure devices, and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded systems before deployment in production environments.