CVE-2022-28906

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a command injection vulnerability in TOTOLink N600R routers where an attacker can execute arbitrary commands via the langtype parameter. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices, potentially compromising entire networks. Only TOTOLink N600R routers with specific firmware versions are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • TOTOLink N600R
Versions: V5.3c.7159_B20190425
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects web management interface; requires access to /setting/setLanguageCfg endpoint.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full device compromise leading to persistent backdoor installation, credential theft, network pivoting to internal systems, and participation in botnets.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify router settings, intercept traffic, or use the device as a foothold for further attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if device is behind firewall with restricted WAN access and proper network segmentation.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: LOW

Exploit requires HTTP POST request to vulnerable endpoint; no authentication needed.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: Not available

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

No official patch available. Consider upgrading to newer firmware if available from vendor.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Block Web Interface Access

linux

Restrict access to router web management interface from untrusted networks

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s TRUSTED_NETWORK -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP

Disable Remote Management

all

Turn off remote management feature in router settings

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Segment affected routers on isolated network VLAN
  • Implement strict firewall rules to limit router management interface access

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check router firmware version via web interface at System Status > Firmware Version

Check Version:

curl -s http://router-ip/ | grep -i firmware

Verify Fix Applied:

Test if langtype parameter accepts command injection by attempting safe payload like '$(echo test)'

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to /setting/setLanguageCfg
  • Commands with shell metacharacters in langtype parameter

Network Indicators:

  • HTTP POST to /setting/setLanguageCfg with shell commands in payload
  • Outbound connections from router to unexpected destinations

SIEM Query:

source="router-logs" AND uri="/setting/setLanguageCfg" AND (langtype="*$(*" OR langtype="*`*" OR langtype="*|*")

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export