CVE-2021-38470
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on InHand Networks IR615 routers by injecting commands through ping tools. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices without authentication. Organizations using these specific router versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- InHand Networks IR615 Router
📦 What is this software?
Ir615 Firmware by Inhandnetworks
Ir615 Firmware by Inhandnetworks
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to reconfigure routing, intercept network traffic, install persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point into internal networks.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, network disruption, or credential harvesting from connected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict ingress filtering and network segmentation prevents lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only ping access to the device and command injection knowledge. The vulnerability is well-documented in public advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 2.3.0.r4870
Vendor Advisory: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-280-05
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact InHand Networks for updated firmware. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload and install patched firmware via web interface or CLI. 4. Reboot router. 5. Verify new firmware version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Control
linuxRestrict ICMP/ping access to router management interfaces
iptables -A INPUT -p icmp --icmp-type echo-request -j DROP
Management Interface Isolation
allMove router management to isolated VLAN with strict access controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected routers into isolated network zones with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for unusual ICMP traffic patterns to/from routers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface (System > Status) or CLI 'show version' commandCheck Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is newer than 2.3.0.r4870 and test command injection via ping is no longer possible📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual ICMP traffic patterns
- Unexpected command execution in system logs
- Authentication failures from router IP
Network Indicators:
- Large or malformed ICMP packets to router management interface
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source_ip=router_ip AND (protocol=ICMP AND packet_size>1000) OR (event_type="command_execution" AND user="unknown")