CVE-2024-25852 in RE7000
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2024
Linksys RE7000 v2.0.9, v2.0.11, and v2.0.15 have a command execution vulnerability in the "AccessControlList" parameter of the access control function point. An attacker can use the vulnerability to obtain device administrator rights.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The CVE-2024-25852 vulnerability represents a critical command execution flaw affecting Linksys RE7000 routers across firmware versions 2.0.9, 2.0.11, and 2.0.15. This vulnerability resides within the AccessControlList parameter of the access control function point, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to escalate privileges and gain administrative control over affected devices. The flaw demonstrates a classic security weakness that aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, commonly known as OS command injection. The vulnerability's presence in the access control functionality is particularly concerning as it directly undermines the router's fundamental security posture and allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms that should protect administrative functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the AccessControlList parameter, which likely accepts user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits malicious commands through this parameter, the system processes these inputs as executable commands rather than mere configuration data, leading to arbitrary code execution on the router's operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution. The router's operating system, typically based on embedded Linux, becomes vulnerable to command injection attacks that can execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process, which often runs with elevated permissions. This creates a direct path for attackers to modify system configurations, install malware, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security of the entire network segment behind the affected router. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can modify firewall rules, change DNS settings, redirect traffic, or even install backdoors that persist across reboots. The vulnerability affects network security by undermining the router's role as a security gateway, potentially allowing lateral movement within the network and providing attackers with a foothold for more extensive attacks. Network administrators may find that traditional security measures become ineffective as the attacker's access is not limited to the web interface but extends to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's presence in multiple firmware versions suggests a systemic issue in the development and testing processes, indicating that similar flaws may exist in other router models or firmware versions from the same vendor.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25852 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linksys, as vendors typically release patches addressing such vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in system-level functions. Organizations should conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, restricting remote access to the router, and implementing network access control policies. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing network infrastructure devices, as they often serve as primary attack vectors for broader network compromises. Security teams should also consider implementing continuous monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with command injection attacks, particularly in network devices that handle user inputs through web interfaces.