CVE-2023-41740 in Router Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in cgi component in Synology Router Manager (SRM) before 1.3.1-9346-6 allows remote attackers to read specific files via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41740 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the cgi component of Synology Router Manager software. This issue affects versions prior to 1.3.1-9346-6 and exposes systems to remote exploitation through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of file paths during request processing, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal sequences and access restricted system files. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating opportunities for unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This classification indicates that the software fails to properly restrict file access to predefined directories, enabling attackers to navigate beyond intended file system boundaries. The attack surface is particularly concerning in network infrastructure devices like routers where sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, and system logs may be accessible through crafted requests. The unspecified vectors suggest that the exact method of exploitation remains partially unknown, but likely involves manipulation of file path parameters through web requests or api calls targeting the affected cgi component.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure deployed by organizations using Synology Router Manager. Remote attackers could potentially access critical system files including configuration databases, user credentials, network settings, and other sensitive data stored within the router's file system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potential system compromise, as access to system configuration files may reveal network topology information, authentication mechanisms, or other attack vectors that could facilitate further exploitation. Organizations relying on these router management systems face potential exposure of their entire network infrastructure to unauthorized access, particularly in environments where router management interfaces are accessible from external networks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patch for Synology Router Manager version 1.3.1-9346-6 or later. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions and implement network segmentation to limit access to router management interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious path traversal patterns, disabling unnecessary router management services, and enforcing strict access controls through authentication mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential access through network infrastructure. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous file access patterns and implement regular security audits to ensure proper patch management and configuration hardening across all router management systems.