CVE-2024-10119: ZTE WRTM326 Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-10119 Overview

CVE-2024-10119 is a critical command injection vulnerability affecting the SECOM WRTM326 wireless router. The device fails to properly validate a specific parameter, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands by sending specially crafted requests. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), commonly known as OS Command Injection.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary system commands on affected WRTM326 routers, potentially leading to complete device compromise, network infiltration, and persistent unauthorized access.

Affected Products

• ZTE WRTM326 Wireless Router
• ZTE WRTM326 Firmware (all versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-10-18 - CVE-2024-10119 published to NVD
• 2024-11-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-10119

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the WRTM326 router's web interface. When processing certain parameters, the router fails to sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to system shell commands. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary OS commands that execute with the privileges of the underlying system process—typically root on embedded devices.

The network-based attack vector means exploitation requires no authentication and can be performed remotely by any attacker with network access to the router's management interface. Given that routers often serve as network perimeter devices, successful exploitation could provide attackers with a foothold into the internal network infrastructure.

Command injection vulnerabilities in network equipment are particularly dangerous because embedded devices frequently run with elevated privileges and may lack security monitoring capabilities. Compromised routers can be leveraged for traffic interception, DNS poisoning, lateral movement, or recruitment into botnets.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-78) where user-controllable parameters are concatenated directly into shell commands without proper sanitization or escaping. The router's firmware fails to implement adequate input filtering, allowing metacharacters and command separators to be interpreted by the underlying shell.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing shell metacharacters (such as ;, |, &&, or backticks) in the vulnerable parameter. When the router processes these requests, the injected commands are executed on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the web server process.

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending crafted HTTP requests to the router's web management interface. When the vulnerable parameter is processed, the injected commands are passed to the system shell for execution.

For detailed technical information, refer to the TWCERT Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-10119

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected outbound connections from the router to external IP addresses
• Unusual processes running on the router if shell access is available
• Modified router configuration or DNS settings
• Presence of unauthorized user accounts or SSH keys on the device
• Anomalous HTTP requests to the router's management interface containing shell metacharacters

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests to router management interfaces containing command injection patterns (;, |, &&, `, $())
• Implement intrusion detection rules to identify exploitation attempts targeting WRTM326 devices
• Review router logs for unusual administrative access patterns or configuration changes
• Deploy network segmentation to limit exposure of router management interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging on the router's management interface and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Monitor for DNS configuration changes that could indicate compromise
• Establish baseline behavior for router network traffic and alert on anomalies
• Regularly audit router configurations for unauthorized modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-10119

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted IP addresses only
• Place the management interface on a dedicated management VLAN isolated from general network traffic
• Disable remote management access if not required
• Monitor for and apply any firmware updates from the vendor
• Consider replacing vulnerable devices if no patch is available

Patch Information

Refer to the TWCERT Security Advisory and the TWCERT Security Notice for the latest patch information and vendor guidance. Contact ZTE support for firmware updates addressing this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Implement firewall rules to restrict management interface access to authorized IP addresses only
• Use a VPN for remote administration rather than exposing the management interface directly
• Disable the web management interface entirely and use console access for configuration if possible
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the management interface to filter malicious requests
• Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical network resources

# Example firewall rule to restrict management access (adjust for your environment)
# Allow management access only from trusted admin subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.100.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.100.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP