CVE-2022-41395 in AC1200
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2022
Tenda AC1200 Router Model W15Ev2 V15.11.0.10(1576) was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the dmzHost parameter in the setDMZ function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41395 affects the Tenda AC1200 Router model W15Ev2 running firmware version V15.11.0.10(1576) and represents a critical command injection flaw within the router's web interface. This vulnerability resides in the setDMZ function where the dmzHost parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with administrative privileges on the device. This command injection vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input that flows directly into system commands without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the dmzHost parameter in the setDMZ function, which is typically accessed via HTTP requests to the router's web management interface. When an attacker submits malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or command separators, the router's firmware fails to properly sanitize this input before executing it as part of a system command. This allows for arbitrary code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the device, modify network configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively, while also mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire network infrastructures. Once an attacker gains control of the router, they can manipulate network traffic, redirect DNS requests, monitor communications, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects not just the device itself but potentially all connected devices that trust the compromised router's network configuration. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting such attacks since legitimate administrative commands can be executed through the same interface, making malicious activity harder to distinguish from normal operations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where routers are not regularly updated or monitored for security patches, as the affected firmware version represents a specific vulnerable release that has likely been superseded by security updates.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Tenda's official sources, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing this command injection flaw. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit direct access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized configuration changes can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The router should be configured to use strong authentication mechanisms and access controls, while disabling unnecessary services and ports. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure are essential to identify similar flaws in other network devices. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for known exploit signatures targeting router management interfaces, as this vulnerability represents a common target for automated exploitation tools in the cybersecurity landscape.