CVE-2023-37172 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 ip parameter in the setDiagnosisCfg function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37172 represents a critical command injection flaw within the TOTOLINK A3300R router firmware version V17.0.0cu.557_B20221024. This issue resides in the setDiagnosisCfg function where the ip parameter is improperly handled, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the affected system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before processing. The affected device operates under a web-based management interface that processes diagnostic configuration parameters, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted HTTP requests that target the vulnerable function.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems. The flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the router's operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires minimal privileges as the vulnerability exists within the web interface accessible to unauthenticated users, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The device's diagnostic functionality, designed for network troubleshooting, becomes a weaponized entry point when the ip parameter is manipulated to include shell commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete network compromise and persistent access to the affected infrastructure. An attacker could potentially gain root access to the router, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain network security integrity and can enable attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS poisoning, or other malicious activities that leverage the router's privileged position within the network. The long-term implications include potential data exfiltration and network disruption that could affect multiple connected devices.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the identified command injection vulnerability. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while awaiting patches. The use of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on anomalous network traffic patterns and unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing strong authentication mechanisms to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing command injection attacks in network infrastructure devices.