It is identified a format string vulnerability in ASUS RT-AX56U V2’s General function API. This vulnerability is caused by lacking validation for a specific value within its apply.cgi module. A remote attacker with administrator privilege can exploit this vulnerability to perform remote arbitrary code execution, arbitrary system operation or disrupt service. The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 7.2, indicating a high severity level that poses significant risks to affected systems.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions. Immediate patching is crucial to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability, as it can be exploited remotely with high complexity.
As of now, there are no known public exploits associated with this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation remains a concern. Organizations are urged to monitor for updates and apply patches as they become available.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against possible attacks and ensure the security of their network infrastructure.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution due to insufficient validation within the apply.cgi module of the ASUS RT-AX56U V2. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-134, related to format string vulnerabilities. The affected product versions include specific firmware releases of the ASUS RT-AX56U V2, RT-AC86U, and RT-AX55.
The vulnerability was published on September 7, 2023, and carries a CVSS score of 7.2, indicating high severity. Organizations using the affected firmware versions are at significant risk, and immediate action is required.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user input in the apply.cgi module. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability through a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring high privileges for exploitation. No user interaction is needed, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated as high.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk is considerable for organizations utilizing affected ASUS firmware. The potential blast radius includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of network services, which could lead to significant operational losses. Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should schedule remediation as soon as possible.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following firmware versions are affected by this vulnerability: ASUS RT-AX55 firmware version 3.0.0.4.386_50460, ASUS RT-AX56U V2 firmware version 3.0.0.4.386_50460, and ASUS RT-AC86U firmware version 3.0.0.4_386_51529. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched versions to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to update their ASUS firmware to the latest versions to address this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, consider implementing configuration hardening, restricting network access, and monitoring for unusual activity. For further assistance, organizations can consult resources on penetration testing to evaluate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as unusual access patterns or unauthorized changes in network configurations. Behavioral anomalies should be investigated thoroughly, and network signatures should be updated to detect potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to disrupt critical infrastructure and compromise sensitive data. Organizations should take this incident as a lesson in the importance of robust validation processes in software development. For additional insights on how to improve your security posture, consider exploring our resources on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies to better prepare for future threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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