CVE-2024-22544 in E1700
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2024
An issue was discovered in Linksys Router E1700 version 1.0.04 (build 3), allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code via the setDateTime function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
This vulnerability exists within the Linksys E1700 router firmware version 1.0.04 build 3 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by authenticated attackers. The vulnerability specifically resides in the setDateTime function which handles time and date configuration parameters, allowing an attacker who has already gained administrative access to the device to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the underlying system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the router's web interface handling mechanism, where user-supplied time parameters are not properly sanitized before being processed by the system's internal functions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-74 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, commonly known as injection flaws, and can be categorized as a CWE-119 as it involves improper restriction of operations within a restricted environment. The attack vector requires an authenticated session, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid administrative credentials through other means such as default password exploitation, credential reuse, or social engineering attacks. Once authenticated, the attacker can manipulate the setDateTime function parameters to inject malicious code that gets executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify system configurations, install backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network. The router's operating system, which is based on embedded linux, becomes vulnerable to command injection attacks where malicious payloads can be executed in the context of the web server process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges further. This vulnerability aligns with the attack technique T1059.007 from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers command and script injection through web applications, and specifically relates to T1068 which addresses privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The attack chain typically begins with credential compromise followed by exploitation of this specific function, potentially leading to persistent access and lateral movement within the network. Network security monitoring tools should be configured to detect unusual patterns in time-related configuration changes and parameter manipulation that could indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Linksys to address the underlying code injection flaw in the setDateTime function implementation. Organizations should ensure that all routers are running the latest firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability, as the manufacturer has likely released a security update addressing the improper input validation issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of a compromised router, including firewall rules that restrict access to router management interfaces to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include implementing strong authentication mechanisms with multi-factor authentication, regularly changing default passwords, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should also deploy network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious parameter manipulation patterns in web requests to the router's management interface, particularly those involving time and date configuration parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in embedded systems and highlights how even seemingly benign functions like date/time configuration can become attack vectors when proper sanitization is not implemented. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify and remediate similar issues in other network devices, as embedded systems often contain similar vulnerabilities due to resource constraints and legacy code implementation practices.