CVE-2023-52029 in A3700R
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2024
TOTOlink A3700R v9.1.2u.5822_B20200513 was discovered to contain a remote command execution (RCE) vulnerability via the setDiagnosisCfg function.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52029 represents a critical remote command execution flaw within the TOTOlink A3700R router firmware version v9.1.2u.5822_B20200513. This issue stems from improper input validation within the setDiagnosisCfg function, which operates as part of the router's diagnostic configuration interface. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the root user, effectively providing complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters passed to the setDiagnosisCfg function, creating a direct path for command injection attacks that bypass standard authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of specific parameters within the diagnostic configuration interface that are processed without adequate validation or sanitization. When an attacker sends crafted input to the setDiagnosisCfg function through the router's web interface or API endpoints, the system fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands. This allows malicious payloads to be executed directly on the underlying operating system, which typically runs a Linux-based environment with root privileges. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection flaws respectively, and follows patterns commonly associated with privilege escalation attacks within network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any network relying on affected TOTOlink A3700R devices. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability affects not only the device itself but also potentially exposes all connected systems to lateral movement attacks, as the compromised router serves as a gateway for network traffic. According to ATT&CK framework mappings, this vulnerability corresponds to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, representing the exploitation of command execution capabilities for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52029 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOlink's official support channels, as vendors typically release patches addressing such vulnerabilities. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to administrative interfaces, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and demonstrates how inadequate input validation in diagnostic interfaces can create severe security risks. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for potential compromise scenarios involving network infrastructure devices.