CVE-2023-37171 in A3300R
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2023
TOTOLINK A3300R V17.0.0cu.557_B20221024 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the admuser parameter in the setPasswordCfg function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37171 affects the TOTOLINK A3300R router model running firmware version V17.0.0cu.557_B20221024. This represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device through a specifically targeted parameter within the web interface. The vulnerability manifests in the setPasswordCfg function where the admuser parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious command injection attacks. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure devices and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the router's web management interface. When the setPasswordCfg function processes the admuser parameter, it does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying operating system. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with administrative privileges on the device. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw, which aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories that specifically address improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise and potential data exfiltration. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain root access to the router's operating system, allowing them to modify network configurations, install malware, create backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the network. The compromised device can then serve as a pivot point for lateral movement attacks against other networked devices, potentially leading to widespread network infiltration. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to establish persistent command and control channels. The affected device becomes a potential vector for broader network attacks, including but not limited to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or traffic interception.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37171 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators must also implement network segmentation to isolate critical infrastructure from less secure network zones, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to the device's administrative ports, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in embedded systems, reinforcing industry standards that emphasize secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network equipment and establish robust patch management procedures to maintain device security posture.