CVE-2023-30054 in A7100RU
Summary
by MITRE • 05/05/2023
TOTOLINK A7100RU V7.4cu.2313_B20191024 has a Command Injection vulnerability. An attacker can obtain a stable root shell through a specially constructed payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2025
The TOTOLINK A7100RU router model running firmware version V7.4cu.2313_B20191024 contains a critical command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. This vulnerability resides in the device's web interface handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically within the system command execution functionality. The flaw enables an attacker to inject malicious commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate the underlying operating system. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-77 as Command Injection, which represents a well-known and dangerous class of vulnerabilities that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This particular implementation flaw occurs in the router's input validation process where user-provided data is not properly sanitized before being passed to system execution functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the web management interface, which is typically accessible from remote networks, making the vulnerability exploitable without physical access to the device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific parameters within the web interface that are processed by the router's command execution engine. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing shell metacharacters and command separators, the system fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before executing them through system calls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for persistent root access, enabling attackers to establish stable command execution environments that can be used for further reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. The root shell access provided by this vulnerability means that attackers can modify system configurations, install backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network. The command injection occurs in the context of the router's operating system, which typically runs on a Linux-based embedded system, making the attack surface consistent with typical embedded system exploitation patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains root access through this command injection flaw, they can manipulate the device's core functionality, including network routing, firewall configurations, and DNS settings. The compromised device becomes a potential staging point for broader network attacks, allowing attackers to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, monitor network traffic, or launch attacks against other devices on the network. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability provides a persistent foothold that can be maintained across reboots, making it particularly valuable for long-term network infiltration campaigns. The vulnerability also affects the device's ability to maintain network security, as it allows attackers to bypass all security controls that depend on proper system integrity. This makes the compromised router an effective vector for advanced persistent threats and can lead to significant data breaches or network disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific command injection flaw. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the router's management interface, particularly restricting access to only trusted network segments. Regular security audits of networked devices should include vulnerability scanning for similar command injection patterns in other network equipment. The implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious command injection attempts by monitoring for suspicious input patterns. Additionally, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary services and features on the router, particularly those that might expose command execution capabilities to external networks. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper network security controls, as outlined in industry standards such as nist 800-53 and iso 27001. The vulnerability also aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the command and control category, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through system interfaces. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where network devices are exposed to untrusted networks.