CVE-2023-48860 in N300RT
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2023
TOTOLINK N300RT version 3.2.4-B20180730.0906 has a post-authentication RCE due to incorrect access control, allows attackers can bypass front-end security restrictions and execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48860 affects the TOTOLINK N300RT router model running firmware version 3.2.4-B20180730.0906, representing a critical post-authentication remote code execution flaw that undermines the device's security posture. This vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the router's web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent frontend security measures and gain unauthorized system-level access. The flaw exists in the authentication flow where successful login does not adequately enforce access restrictions, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the application's authorization controls, which is classified under CWE-285, specifically addressing improper authorization issues. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass the normal access control checks, effectively allowing them to execute commands as if they had administrative privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-287, which deals with improper handling of authentication tokens, though in this case the issue manifests as insufficient access control validation rather than token handling failures. The exploitation process typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests that leverage the router's API endpoints to execute system commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. Once exploited, adversaries can modify router configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, T1021.001 for remote services, and T1041 for exfiltration. The compromised device becomes a potential entry point for broader network infiltration, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise or home network environments where routers often serve as the primary gateway to internal systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48860 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific access control flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised router, while also monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication practices, and regularly auditing router configurations. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in authentication flow can lead to complete system compromise, aligning with ATT&CK's emphasis on privilege escalation techniques that leverage weak access control mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network devices and ensure proper access control validation throughout their infrastructure.