CVE-2023-3333
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an OS command injection vulnerability in multiple NEC Aterm router models that allows authenticated attackers with high privileges to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The vulnerability requires chaining with CVE-2023-3330 and CVE-2023-3331 to achieve the necessary privilege level. All listed NEC Aterm router models are affected regardless of version.
💻 Affected Systems
- NEC Aterm WG2600HP2
- WG2600HP
- WG2200HP
- WG1800HP2
- WG1800HP
- WG1400HP
- WG600HP
- WG300HP
- WF300HP
- WR9500N
- WR9300N
- WR8750N
- WR8700N
- WR8600N
- WR8370N
- WR8175N
- WR8170N
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the router with root access, allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, or brick the device.
Likely Case
Attackers who have already compromised administrative credentials can execute arbitrary commands to steal sensitive data, modify network configurations, or launch attacks against internal systems.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the router itself, though it could still serve as a foothold for further attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authentication and chaining with two other vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-3330 and CVE-2023-3331) to achieve high privilege access first.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific firmware versions
Vendor Advisory: https://jpn.nec.com/security-info/secinfo/nv23-007_en.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit the NEC security advisory page. 2. Identify your router model. 3. Download the latest firmware from NEC's support site. 4. Log into router admin interface. 5. Navigate to firmware update section. 6. Upload and apply the new firmware. 7. Reboot the router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected routers in separate network segments to limit potential lateral movement.
Access Control Restrictions
allRestrict administrative access to trusted IP addresses only and use strong authentication.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with supported models from different vendors
- Implement strict network monitoring and anomaly detection for router traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router model and firmware version against affected list in NEC advisory. If model matches and firmware hasn't been updated since advisory publication, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
Log into router admin interface and check firmware version in system status or about page.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to version mentioned in NEC security advisory and test administrative functions for command injection attempts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in router logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Unexpected configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic patterns inconsistent with normal router operation
- Unexpected services running on router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event_type="command_execution" OR event_type="config_change") AND user="admin"