CVE-2023-51100 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2023
Tenda W9 V1.0.0.7(4456)_CN was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the function formGetDiagnoseInfo .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51100 affects Tenda W9 V1.0.0.7(4456)_CN routers, representing a critical command injection flaw that could enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the formGetDiagnoseInfo function, which appears to inadequately validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying operating system. Such a flaw creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands that would be executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed networking device that serves as a central point of connectivity for home and small office networks, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructures. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it could enable attackers to modify network configurations, install malware, or establish backdoors for continued access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into shell commands without proper sanitization. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the command execution flow by injecting special characters or sequences that the system interprets as additional commands rather than data. The formGetDiagnoseInfo function likely processes user input through web forms or API endpoints without adequate validation, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted payloads that could include semicolons, ampersands, or other shell metacharacters. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the device's underlying operating system, potentially escalating privileges to root level access depending on the device's implementation. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, specifically highlighting how adversaries can execute commands through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for network security posture, as it could allow attackers to compromise entire network segments through a single vulnerable device. Once exploited, attackers could potentially use the compromised router as a pivot point to scan internal networks, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or establish persistent command and control channels. The vulnerability affects not only individual device security but also broader network infrastructure integrity, as routers often serve as trusted network gateways that control traffic flow and access policies. Organizations deploying these devices may experience unauthorized data exfiltration, network disruption, or complete network infiltration if the vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is further expanded due to the default administrative interfaces that are often accessible from external networks, making the exploitation process relatively straightforward for skilled attackers. Security teams must consider the potential for cascading effects throughout network infrastructure, as a compromised router could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive internal resources.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the underlying command injection vulnerability, though organizations should also implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit potential damage. Network administrators should disable unnecessary administrative interfaces, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help detect and prevent malicious command injection attempts before they reach the vulnerable functions. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar weaknesses in other devices, as the presence of one vulnerability often indicates potential for similar issues in related systems. The remediation process should also include network monitoring for anomalous behavior and regular security audits to ensure that patched systems remain secure against evolving attack techniques that may target similar vulnerabilities in other network components.