CVE-2023-48801 in X6000R
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2023
In TOTOLINK X6000R_Firmware V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719, the shttpd file sub_415534 function obtains fields from the front-end, connects them through the snprintf function, and passes them to the CsteSystem function, resulting in a command execution vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48801 affects the TOTOLINK X6000R router firmware version V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719, representing a critical command injection flaw that stems from improper input validation within the shttpd web server component. This vulnerability resides in the sub_415534 function which processes data received from web front-end requests, specifically handling field data that gets concatenated through the snprintf function before being passed to the CsteSystem function. The improper handling of user-supplied input creates an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 and CWE-94, as it involves the execution of untrusted code through improper input handling and command construction, respectively, aligning with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic buffer manipulation issue where user-controllable data flows directly into system command execution without adequate sanitization or validation. When the shttpd web server receives HTTP requests containing malicious input through the affected function, the snprintf operation concatenates this data without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject command sequences that get executed by the underlying CsteSystem function. This represents a direct violation of secure coding principles and demonstrates the dangerous practice of concatenating user input directly into executable command strings. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with potential access to the router's underlying operating system, enabling them to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
The operational implications of CVE-2023-48801 are severe given that it affects a widely deployed router model and operates at the network infrastructure level. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to network devices without requiring physical presence or elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and residential network environments where such devices often serve as gateways to broader network resources. The vulnerability's presence in a firmware version released in July 2023 suggests that it may have affected numerous devices deployed across various geographic regions, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying affected devices within their infrastructure while also considering the potential for lateral movement once initial compromise occurs, as routers typically have elevated network privileges and can provide access to internal network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48801 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK as the primary remediation approach, given that the vulnerability exists within the device's core firmware implementation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected TOTOLINK X6000R devices within their network infrastructure, particularly focusing on those with direct internet exposure or critical network roles. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation activity. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, suggesting that monitoring for abnormal HTTP request patterns or command injection attempts could aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls at network boundaries can provide supplementary protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.