CVE-2023-38568 in Archer A10
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
Archer A10 firmware versions prior to 'Archer A10(JP)_V2_230504' allows a network-adjacent unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38568 affects the Archer A10 wireless router firmware, specifically versions prior to the 'Archer A10(JP)_V2_230504' release. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands without requiring authentication. The vulnerability exists within the router's web interface handling of user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the device's underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of the Archer A10 firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are processed by the router's command execution functions, effectively allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary system commands. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is not properly filtered or escaped before being passed to system functions, creating a classic command injection vulnerability. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-89, which define command injection and SQL injection respectively, though in this case the injection occurs at the operating system level rather than database level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router. Once exploited, an attacker can gain root access to the device and potentially use it as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. The unauthenticated nature of this exploit means that any network-adjacent attacker can immediately leverage this vulnerability without requiring credentials or prior access. This creates a significant risk for both residential and enterprise networks where these devices may be exposed to external traffic or where attackers can gain access to internal networks through other means. The compromised router can then be used to redirect traffic, monitor network communications, or serve as a launching point for attacks against other devices on the network.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates to version 'Archer A10(JP)_V2_230504' or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the attack surface, particularly by ensuring that router management interfaces are not directly exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how unauthenticated command execution can be leveraged for initial compromise and persistence within affected networks. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all instances of affected Archer A10 devices and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.