CVE-2023-52031 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 UploadFirmwareFile function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The TOTOlink A3700R router firmware version 9.1.2u.5822_B20200513 presents a critical remote command execution vulnerability through its UploadFirmwareFile function, representing a significant security flaw that exposes network infrastructure to unauthorized access. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and insufficient access controls, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device without authentication. The flaw specifically manifests in the firmware upload functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code directly on the router's operating system. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how improperly handled user input can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with full administrative control over the affected router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the device or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home users alike. Network administrators face significant risk as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, potentially leading to data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, or the establishment of botnets. The vulnerability affects the device's firmware update mechanism, which is typically a privileged function requiring authentication, yet the lack of proper input validation allows attackers to bypass authentication requirements entirely.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as this vulnerability likely affects multiple versions within the same product line. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual firmware upload activities can help detect exploitation attempts, while implementing network access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces can reduce attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious command execution patterns and implement zero-trust network principles to limit the potential impact of compromised devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in network infrastructure devices, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the need for secure coding practices and regular security assessments of network equipment. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the necessity for vendors to implement robust security testing procedures during development cycles to prevent similar flaws from reaching production environments, particularly in devices that handle firmware updates and administrative functions.