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CVE-2017-18368: Critical Vulnerability in Zyxel P660HN-T1A Routers

A critical command injection vulnerability exists in Zyxel P660HN-T1A routers. This flaw, accessible by unauthenticated users, could lead to severe impacts. Immediate action is required to mitigate risks.

CRITICALKnown ExploitedCVSS 9.8 · Published May 2, 2019

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The Zyxel P660HN-T1A v1 TCLinux Fw $7.3.15.0 v001 / 3.40(ULM.0)b31 router distributed by TrueOnline has a command injection vulnerability in the Remote System Log forwarding function, which is accessible by an unauthenticated user. The vulnerability is in the ViewLog.asp page and can be exploited through the remote_host parameter. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device, leading to a complete compromise.

With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical, indicating serious risks to organizations. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and disrupt the availability of the routers. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

As this vulnerability is publicly known and included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog since August 7, 2023, it is essential for defenders to take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Organizations using affected products must assess their exposure and take steps to remediate this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

The Zyxel P660HN-T1A v1 TCLinux Fw $7.3.15.0 v001 / 3.40(ULM.0)b31 router has a command injection vulnerability located in the ViewLog.asp page. This flaw allows unauthorized users to send a specially crafted request to the remote_host parameter, leading to arbitrary command execution. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, which indicates critical severity due to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The vulnerability affects the following components: 5200w-t_firmware, p660hn-t1a_v1_firmware, and p660hn-t1a_v2_firmware. The weakness is classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('Command Injection')).

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability is due to improper input validation in the ViewLog.asp page, specifically regarding the remote_host parameter. This flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands that the system will execute, leading to a complete compromise of the router.

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication, which significantly increases the risk of exploitation. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any user interaction, making it accessible to attackers with minimal skill. The impacts of successful exploitation include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, as attackers can potentially control the device entirely.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential disruption of network services, and possible use of compromised devices in larger attacks. The vulnerability's inclusion in the KEV catalog highlights its significance and urgency for remediation. Organizations using affected devices should assess their exposure and implement necessary mitigations.

Given the current threat landscape, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent exploitation and protect their infrastructure.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

Affected versions include the following firmware: 5200w-t_firmware version 7.3.8.0, p660hn-t1a_v1_firmware version 7.3.15.0, and p660hn-t1a_v2_firmware version 7.3.15.0. Organizations are advised to apply the latest patches to mitigate this vulnerability.

Mitigation & Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest vendor patches immediately. If patches are unavailable, organizations should discontinue use of vulnerable products. For further details on patching, refer to the vendor's instructions or consider engaging with a third-party service for assistance in securing your environment.

Organizations should also implement strong network controls, monitor for any suspicious activities, and ensure proper configuration hardening of devices to prevent unauthorized access.

Detection Guidance

Security teams should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts and unusual command executions. Behavioral anomalies in network traffic patterns may also indicate potential exploitation of this vulnerability. It's crucial to maintain an updated inventory of all firmware versions in use to facilitate quick patching.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as it reflects a wider trend in insecure network devices. Security teams should take this opportunity to reevaluate their device policies and ensure that all endpoints are properly secured. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of timely patching and proactive security measures.

Organizations should consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to identify and remediate weaknesses before they can be exploited. Additionally, engaging in regular security assessments through services such as penetration testing can help uncover similar vulnerabilities.

Lastly, maintaining awareness of emerging threats and maintaining an active incident response plan will enhance readiness against such vulnerabilities in the future.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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