CVE-2024-28353 in TEW-827DRU
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2024
There is a command injection vulnerability in the TRENDnet TEW-827DRU router with firmware version 2.10B01. An attacker can inject commands into the post request parameters usapps.config.smb_admin_name in the apply.cgi interface, thereby gaining root shell privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The CVE-2024-28353 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in TRENDnet TEW-827DRU wireless routers running firmware version 2.10B01. This vulnerability exists within the web-based administration interface of the device, specifically in the apply.cgi script that handles configuration updates. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device by manipulating the usapps.config.smb_admin_name parameter in POST requests. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which categorizes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with root shell privileges, effectively granting complete control over the router's operating system and all its functionalities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the apply.cgi interface. When an attacker submits a POST request containing malicious content in the usapps.config.smb_admin_name parameter, the router fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into system commands. This allows an attacker to append additional commands that will be executed with the highest privileges available on the device. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution (RCE) flaw that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly severe in network environments where such devices are exposed to untrusted networks. The affected firmware version 2.10B01 demonstrates a lack of proper security controls in the web application layer, specifically in parameter handling and command construction processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise. Once an attacker gains root privileges, they can modify firewall rules, change network configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The TRENDnet TEW-827DRU router serves as a gateway device for many home and small office networks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreters, where adversaries leverage legitimate system utilities to execute malicious code. Network administrators may face significant challenges in detecting such attacks, as the malicious commands are executed directly on the device rather than through external network traffic that might be more easily monitored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28353 should focus on immediate firmware updates from TRENDnet, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of such devices to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary services on the router. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or suspicious POST request parameters. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable interface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper security testing in embedded web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all network devices and implement regular firmware update policies to address similar security flaws. The incident also underscores the need for secure coding practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project, which emphasizes the importance of preventing injection flaws through proper input validation and sanitization techniques.