CVE-2023-47167 in ER7206 Omada Gigabit VPN Router
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
A post authentication command injection vulnerability exists in the GRE policy functionality of Tp-Link ER7206 Omada Gigabit VPN Router 1.3.0 build 20230322 Rel.70591. A specially crafted HTTP request can lead to arbitrary command injection. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical post-authentication command injection flaw within the GRE policy implementation of TP-Link ER7206 Omada Gigabit VPN Router firmware version 1.3.0 build 20230322 Rel.70591. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the router's web interface when processing HTTP requests related to GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) policy configuration. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary commands through specifically crafted HTTP requests that target the GRE policy functionality, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication credentials to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who have gained access to router administrative accounts through various means such as credential theft, brute force attacks, or social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise the router's operational environment. Once exploited, the injected commands can manipulate the router's routing policies, potentially redirecting traffic through malicious endpoints, disabling security features, or establishing persistent backdoors. The GRE policy functionality is particularly sensitive as it governs how the router handles network traffic encapsulation, making this attack vector capable of disrupting network communications and potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create unauthorized network tunnels, modify routing tables, or even gain access to the underlying operating system of the router, effectively compromising the entire network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential harvesting, as it enables both command execution and potential credential compromise through the router's administrative interface.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from network administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the router firmware to the latest version provided by TP-Link, which should contain patches addressing the command injection flaw in the GRE policy functionality. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, ensuring that administrative access to the router is restricted to authorized personnel only. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns or unusual command execution behaviors can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough credential security reviews, implementing multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications, particularly those handling network configuration parameters. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious HTTP requests targeting the router's administrative interface, and conduct regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.