CVE-2024-46486 in TL-WDR5620
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2024
TP-LINK TL-WDR5620 v2.3 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the httpProcDataSrv function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The TP-LINK TL-WDR5620 version 2.3 router presents a critical remote code execution vulnerability through the httpProcDataSrv function, representing a significant security flaw that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected devices. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web server component of the router's firmware, specifically in how it processes HTTP data requests. The flaw exists in the handling of user-supplied data within the httpProcDataSrv function, which processes incoming HTTP requests without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. Security researchers identified that when the router receives certain malformed HTTP requests, the processing function fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-77 and CWE-94, which address improper input validation and code execution flaws respectively. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted HTTP requests that bypass normal input validation checks, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the router's underlying operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer of the network stack, enabling remote exploitation without requiring physical access or authentication credentials. The affected httpProcDataSrv function appears to process HTTP request parameters directly without proper boundary checking or command sanitization, creating a direct code execution path that can be leveraged to gain full administrative control over the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the network infrastructure. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can manipulate network traffic, redirect DNS requests, modify firewall rules, and potentially use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreters, as well as T1021.001 for remote services, allowing for both initial access and lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable devices from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where routers are often exposed to external networks without proper segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from TP-LINK to address the specific input validation flaws in the httpProcDataSrv function. Network administrators should implement strict access controls to limit exposure of router management interfaces to internal networks only, while also deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious HTTP requests before they reach the vulnerable function. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices and ensure proper network segmentation to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network device firmware and highlights the need for robust security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar flaws in future releases.