CVE-2024-0295 Overview
A critical OS command injection vulnerability has been identified in the Totolink LR1200GB router firmware version 9.1.0u.6619_B20230130. This vulnerability exists in the setWanCfg function within the /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi file, where improper handling of the hostName argument allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected device.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands with full system privileges, potentially leading to complete device compromise, network infiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Affected Products
- Totolink LR1200GB Firmware version 9.1.0u.6619_B20230130
- Totolink LR1200GB Hardware
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-01-08 - CVE-2024-0295 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-0295
Vulnerability Analysis
This command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) affects the WAN configuration functionality of the Totolink LR1200GB router. The setWanCfg function in the CGI binary fails to properly sanitize the hostName parameter before passing it to system-level command execution functions. When user-supplied input containing shell metacharacters is processed, the embedded commands are executed in the context of the router's operating system.
The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be triggered remotely over the network. An attacker with network access to the router's management interface can craft malicious HTTP requests containing OS commands within the hostName parameter. These commands execute with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs as root on embedded devices like this router.
The public disclosure of exploit details and the lack of vendor response significantly increases the risk profile of this vulnerability. Organizations using affected devices should treat this as an active threat requiring immediate attention.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation in the setWanCfg function. The hostName parameter is directly concatenated into a command string that is subsequently executed via system call functions without proper sanitization or escaping. This allows shell metacharacters such as semicolons (;), pipes (|), or command substitution syntax ($(...) or backticks) to break out of the intended command context and inject arbitrary commands.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted remotely over the network by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi endpoint. The attacker manipulates the hostName argument within the setWanCfg function call to include malicious OS commands. Because no authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, any attacker with network access to the router's web interface can execute arbitrary commands.
A typical exploitation scenario involves injecting shell commands that establish reverse shells, download additional malware payloads, modify router configurations to intercept network traffic, or disable security features. The attack surface includes both LAN-side access and potentially WAN-side access if remote administration is enabled.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0295
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP POST requests to /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi containing shell metacharacters (;, |, $(), backticks) in parameter values
- Unusual outbound network connections from the router to unknown external IP addresses
- Modified configuration files or unexpected processes running on the router
- Presence of unauthorized user accounts or SSH keys on the device
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic for suspicious requests targeting /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi with anomalous hostName parameter values
- Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to detect command injection patterns in HTTP traffic to Totolink devices
- Review router logs for unusual administrative actions or configuration changes
- Deploy network anomaly detection to identify unexpected traffic patterns originating from router devices
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure network monitoring to alert on traffic containing common command injection payloads targeting CGI endpoints
- Establish baseline behavior for router network communications and alert on deviations
- Implement periodic integrity checks on router firmware and configuration files where possible
- Monitor for DNS queries or connections to known malicious infrastructure from network edge devices
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0295
Immediate Actions Required
- Isolate affected Totolink LR1200GB routers from untrusted networks immediately
- Disable remote management features to reduce attack surface
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to router management interfaces
- Consider replacing affected devices with alternatives from vendors with responsive security practices
Patch Information
As of the last update, the vendor (Totolink) has not released a security patch for this vulnerability. According to the CVE disclosure notes, the vendor was contacted about this issue but did not respond. Organizations should monitor for firmware updates and consider alternative mitigation strategies until a patch becomes available. Technical details are available in the GitHub security advisory and VulDB entry.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the router's management interface using firewall rules or ACLs to only allow trusted administrative hosts
- Place the router behind a separate firewall that can filter and inspect traffic to the CGI interface
- Disable WAN-side management access if enabled to prevent remote exploitation from the internet
- Consider deploying a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests if the router must remain accessible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
