CVE-2022-26991
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a command injection vulnerability in Arris routers that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands by manipulating the TimeZone parameter in the NTP function. Attackers can gain full control of affected routers, potentially compromising all connected devices and network traffic. This affects Arris SBR-AC1900P, SBR-AC3200P, and SBR-AC1200P routers with specific vulnerable firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Arris SBR-AC1900P
- Arris SBR-AC3200P
- Arris SBR-AC1200P
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router compromise leading to full network takeover, credential theft, malware deployment to all connected devices, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Router compromise allowing traffic interception, DNS hijacking, credential harvesting, and lateral movement to connected devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if routers are behind firewalls with strict inbound filtering and network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept available in GitHub repository. Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP requests to router web interface.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not publicly available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Arris support website for firmware updates
2. Download latest firmware for your model
3. Access router admin interface
4. Navigate to firmware update section
5. Upload and apply new firmware
6. Reboot router
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote administration
allPrevent external access to router web interface
Restrict NTP access
allBlock external NTP requests if not needed
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate routers in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious NTP-related requests
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface and compare with affected versions list.Check Version:
Login to router web interface and navigate to System Status or About page.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to a version later than the vulnerable ones listed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual NTP configuration changes
- Suspicious commands in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains
- Unusual NTP traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND ("TimeZone" OR "ntp" OR "command injection")