CVE-2023-51972 in AX1803
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
Tenda AX1803 v1.0.0.1 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the function fromAdvSetLanIp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51972 affects the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the device's web interface. This vulnerability resides in the fromAdvSetLanIp function which handles advanced LAN IP settings configuration, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application layer, allowing malicious actors to inject operating system commands through crafted parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input to the LAN IP configuration interface, which is then processed without adequate sanitization by the router's firmware. This allows for arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to remote attackers who can directly target the device's web interface.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain full control over the affected router, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Attackers could execute commands to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, redirect traffic through malicious servers, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it could facilitate lateral movement attacks, DNS tunneling, or the installation of persistent malware. Organizations relying on Tenda AX1803 devices for network infrastructure may face significant security risks including data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, or complete network takeover. The device's default administrative credentials and lack of authentication requirements for this specific function make the attack vector particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the command injection vulnerability, as manufacturers typically release patches to resolve such issues. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, ensuring that router management interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized configuration changes would provide early warning capabilities. Security professionals should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong access controls, and regularly auditing device configurations to identify any unauthorized modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data, principles that align with OWASP Top 10 security practices and should be incorporated into all web application development processes.