TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX1800) firmware versions before 1.1.4 Build 20230219 contain a command injection vulnerability in the country form of the /cgi-bin/luci;stok=/locale endpoint on the web management interface. Specifically, the country parameter of the write operation was not sanitized before being used in a call to popen(), allowing an unauthenticated attacker to inject commands, which would be run as root, with a simple POST request.
This vulnerability allows for remote code execution, posing significant risks to organizations using affected firmware versions. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity level, meaning that exploitation could lead to severe impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and control over network devices, leading to further compromises within the organizational infrastructure. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability has been confirmed to be present and actively exploited, as indicated by its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Organizations must take immediate action to mitigate this risk.
To ensure security, organizations should regularly monitor their devices for updates and apply patches as soon as they are available, following vendor instructions.
The command injection vulnerability presents an opportunity for attackers within the adjacent network to exploit the flaw without requiring any user interaction or privileges. This makes it critical for organizations to assess their exposure to this vulnerability.
The attack vector being adjacent network emphasizes the need for organizations to secure their network perimeters and implement strong access controls.
As such, organizations utilizing TP-Link Archer AX21 devices must assess their current firmware versions and apply the necessary updates to mitigate this vulnerability.
Organizations should also consider employing continuous monitoring solutions to detect any unusual activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.
In conclusion, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to affected systems. Organizations must act promptly to protect their assets and mitigate potential risks.
Vulnerability Details
The TP-Link Archer AX21 vulnerability affects firmware versions prior to 1.1.4 Build 20230219. The command injection flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands, leading to unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The CVSS version 3.1 score of 8.8 indicates high severity, categorized under the CWE-77 classification for command injection vulnerabilities. This vulnerability has been published on March 15, 2023.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to properly sanitize user input in the country parameter of the firmware's web management interface. As a result, this vulnerability allows attackers to leverage the popen() function to execute arbitrary commands on the device.
The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, indicating that an attacker must be on the same local network as the vulnerable device to exploit the vulnerability. The complexity of the attack is low, with no privileges or user interaction required.
The impacts of this vulnerability include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact due to the ability to execute commands as root.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using the affected TP-Link Archer AX21 devices are at significant risk. The ability for an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands can lead to extensive data breaches, unauthorized access, and compromise of network integrity.
The blast radius of this vulnerability can be substantial, as it can affect all devices on the same network segment. Immediate patching is essential to prevent exploitation.
Given the current inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management processes. The urgency is underscored by the high CVSS score and the potential for widespread impact.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include all firmware versions prior to 1.1.4 Build 20230219. Organizations should ensure they have updated to the latest firmware provided by TP-Link.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. The latest firmware version is available on the TP-Link support page. In addition, implementing network controls to restrict access to the web management interface can further reduce risk.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for any indications of command injection attempts, such as unusual POST requests targeting the /cgi-bin/luci;stok=/locale endpoint. Behavioral anomalies in device operations may also indicate exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-1389 calls for a reevaluation of security measures surrounding IoT devices. This vulnerability reflects a pattern of insecure coding practices in consumer-grade technology.
Security teams should use this incident as a strategic lesson to implement secure coding frameworks and ensure proper input validation in all applications. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities.
For organizations looking to strengthen their defenses, engaging in penetration testing can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses proactively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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