CVE-2023-46370 in W18E
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Tenda W18E V16.01.0.8(1576) has a command injection vulnerability via the hostName parameter in the formSetNetCheckTools function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2023
The CVE-2023-46370 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw discovered in the Tenda W18E wireless router firmware version V16.01.0.8(1576). This vulnerability resides within the formSetNetCheckTools function where the hostName parameter is processed without proper input sanitization or validation. The affected device operates with a web-based administrative interface that allows users to configure network monitoring tools through a form submission mechanism. When an attacker submits a malicious hostName value containing shell metacharacters or command sequences, the router's firmware fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before executing system commands, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the router's network diagnostic functionality where the hostName parameter is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate security controls.
This command injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category known as "Command Injection" which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the router's system process, potentially allowing full system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the router's legitimate web interface, making it difficult to distinguish between normal administrative activity and malicious exploitation. The vulnerability affects the router's network monitoring tools functionality where users can specify host names for network checks, but the implementation fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before passing it to underlying system commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete network compromise and potential lateral movement within the affected network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the router's operating system, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The router's administrative interface, which typically requires authentication, may be bypassed if the command injection allows for privilege escalation or if the attacker can manipulate the authentication process. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could allow attackers to maintain access even after initial exploitation, as the compromised router can serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46370 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised router, ensuring that the affected device is isolated from critical network segments. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network monitoring tools, implementing strict input validation at the network perimeter, and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when considering how attackers might leverage such vulnerabilities in broader attack chains. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious command execution patterns and establish baseline network behavior to detect anomalous activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.