CVE-2024-1001 in N200RE
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Totolink N200RE 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216. Affected is the function main of the file /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi. The manipulation leads to stack-based buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-252270 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2024
This critical vulnerability exists in the Totolink N200RE router firmware version 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216 and specifically targets the main function within the /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi file. The vulnerability represents a stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing user-supplied input through the web interface. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a serious weakness in software design that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is remote, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the cgi-bin component of the router's web administration interface. When the main function processes incoming parameters through the cstecgi.cgi script, it fails to adequately check buffer boundaries before copying user data into stack memory locations. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests to the affected router's web interface, sending specially crafted payloads that trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This typically translates to full administrative control over the router, enabling attackers to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, monitor network traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects not just the specific router model but potentially other devices in the Totolink N200RE product line that share similar firmware components. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is available for use significantly increases the risk to affected networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, though the lack of vendor response in this case presents a significant challenge. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of affected devices and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns. The use of intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts through anomalous HTTP requests targeting the cgi-bin interface. Additionally, disabling remote administration features and restricting access to the router's web interface to trusted IP addresses can provide temporary protection. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage web-based interfaces to execute malicious commands, and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol Web Protocols, as exploitation occurs through HTTP requests to the web interface. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices.