CVE-2024-8162 Overview
A critical hard-coded credentials vulnerability has been discovered in the TOTOLINK T10 AC1200 wireless router running firmware version 4.1.8cu.5207. The vulnerability exists within the Telnet Service component, specifically in the configuration file located at /squashfs-root/web_cste/cgi-bin/product.ini. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely to gain unauthorized access to the device using the embedded credentials, potentially leading to complete device compromise.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can leverage hard-coded credentials to gain full administrative access to affected TOTOLINK T10 routers, enabling complete device takeover, network reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within the target network.
Affected Products
- TOTOLINK T10 AC1200 Router
- TOTOLINK T10 Firmware version 4.1.8cu.5207
- TOTOLINK T10 Hardware
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-26 - CVE-2024-8162 published to NVD
- 2024-08-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-8162
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), a severe security flaw where authentication credentials are embedded directly within the firmware or configuration files. In the case of the TOTOLINK T10 AC1200 router, the hard-coded credentials are stored in the product.ini file within the device's squashfs filesystem. This allows remote attackers to authenticate to the Telnet Service without any prior knowledge of user-configured credentials.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires network access to the Telnet Service port, typically port 23. Once connected, an attacker can utilize the hard-coded credentials to gain shell access to the router, effectively bypassing all user-configured authentication mechanisms. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insecure development practices where authentication credentials were embedded directly into the firmware configuration file (/squashfs-root/web_cste/cgi-bin/product.ini). This is a fundamental security design flaw that violates secure coding principles. Hard-coded credentials cannot be changed by end users and persist across firmware updates if not explicitly addressed, leaving all devices of the same model and firmware version vulnerable to the same attack.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2024-8162 is network-based, requiring no authentication, user interaction, or elevated privileges. An attacker with network access to the device's Telnet Service can:
- Identify exposed TOTOLINK T10 routers through network scanning
- Connect to the Telnet Service on the target device
- Authenticate using the hard-coded credentials found in product.ini
- Gain shell access with elevated privileges on the router
- Execute arbitrary commands, modify configurations, intercept traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks
The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used by malicious actors. Technical details are available in the GitHub PoC Repository and VulDB CTI #275760.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-8162
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Telnet connections to port 23 on TOTOLINK T10 devices
- Successful authentication attempts using default or hard-coded credentials
- Unusual command execution or configuration changes on the router
- Network traffic originating from the router to unknown external destinations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic for Telnet connections (port 23) to TOTOLINK devices
- Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify authentication attempts against embedded device Telnet services
- Review router logs for unexpected login sessions or administrative actions
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and monitor cross-segment traffic
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable logging on network firewalls for all Telnet traffic to IoT devices
- Configure SIEM alerts for multiple failed login attempts followed by successful authentication on router management interfaces
- Perform regular network scans to identify devices with exposed Telnet services
- Implement asset inventory tracking to identify all TOTOLINK devices on the network
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-8162
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable the Telnet Service on all affected TOTOLINK T10 devices if not required for operations
- Block external access to Telnet port 23 using firewall rules
- Isolate affected devices on a separate network segment with restricted access
- Monitor for suspicious activity originating from or targeting TOTOLINK devices
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no official patch is available from TOTOLINK. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond. Organizations should monitor the TOTOLINK Official Website for potential firmware updates. For detailed vulnerability information, refer to VulDB #275760 and the VulDB Submission #392015.
Workarounds
- Disable Telnet Service entirely and use alternative secure management methods if available
- Implement network-level access controls to restrict Telnet access to trusted IP addresses only
- Consider replacing affected devices with alternative products that follow secure development practices
- Deploy network monitoring to detect and alert on any Telnet authentication attempts
# Firewall rule to block external Telnet access (iptables example)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 23 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 23 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
# Block Telnet at the network perimeter
# Replace with your firewall management interface or CLI
# Deny TCP port 23 from WAN to internal TOTOLINK devices
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
