CVE-2023-37170 in A3300R
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2023
TOTOLINK A3300R V17.0.0cu.557_B20221024 was discovered to contain an unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the lang parameter in the setLanguageCfg function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37170 affects the TOTOLINK A3300R router model running firmware version V17.0.0cu.557_B20221024 and represents a critical unauthenticated remote code execution flaw. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the device and specifically targets the setLanguageCfg function where the lang parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device remotely without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where such devices are deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input through the lang parameter in the setLanguageCfg function. When a malicious actor submits crafted input through this parameter, the device fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it, creating an opportunity for command injection attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and arbitrary code execution respectively. The absence of authentication requirements means that any remote attacker can exploit this flaw, significantly broadening the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across enterprise and consumer networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this RCE vulnerability could gain full administrative control over the affected router, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The compromised device could serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network, enabling attackers to access internal systems, intercept network traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. Additionally, the router's configuration could be altered to redirect traffic through malicious servers, effectively creating a man-in-the-middle attack vector that could compromise all connected devices. This vulnerability particularly affects networks that rely on default or weak administrative credentials, as the attack does not require credential guessing or brute force attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37170 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK as the primary remediation approach, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly by isolating critical network segments from less secure areas. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary remote management features, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web interface, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, indicating that exploitation would likely involve executing commands through the affected device's interface and potentially establishing persistent access through remote service manipulation. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.