CVE-2023-46485 in X6000R
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
An issue in TOTOlink X6000R V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the setTracerouteCfg function of the stecgi.cgi component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46485 affects the TOTOlink X6000R router firmware version V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that exposes network infrastructure to significant security risks. This issue resides within the stecgi.cgi component, specifically in the setTracerouteCfg function, which processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious commands through crafted parameters, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the setTracerouteCfg function within the stecgi.cgi interface, which serves as a gateway for network diagnostic operations. When the router processes requests containing specially crafted input parameters, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before executing them within the system context. This flaw enables an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command injection as it provides attackers with the capability to gain complete control over the router's operational environment, including access to network configurations, user data, and potentially the underlying network infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on TOTOlink X6000R devices, as it allows attackers to execute code remotely without requiring authentication credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core network device component that typically operates in publicly accessible environments. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, since the exploitation may involve crafted web requests or network packets designed to trigger the vulnerable function. The CWE classification for this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, representing command injection and code injection vulnerabilities respectively, which are among the most dangerous categories in web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46485 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as this represents the most effective defense against the known exploitation vectors. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection, though these measures should not be considered replacements for official firmware updates. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all instances of the affected firmware version and ensure that proper network monitoring is in place to detect potential exploitation activities, particularly focusing on unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability.