CVE-2023-46306
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with elevated privileges on NetModule Router Software. It affects users of the web administration interface due to a race condition in command execution with unsanitized user input. The vulnerability specifically impacts NRSW versions 4.6 before 4.6.0.106 and 4.8 before 4.8.0.101.
💻 Affected Systems
- NetModule Router Software (NRSW)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root/administrator, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data theft, or router takeover.
Likely Case
Authenticated attacker gains remote code execution with elevated privileges, enabling network reconnaissance, lateral movement, or installation of malware.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and authentication controls, impact limited to isolated network segment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires authentication and involves race condition timing. Public advisory includes technical details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.6.0.106 for 4.6 branch, 4.8.0.101 for 4.8 branch
Vendor Advisory: https://share.netmodule.com/public/system-software/4.6/4.6.0.106/NRSW-RN-4.6.0.106.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate firmware version from NetModule support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload firmware via web interface. 4. Apply update. 5. Reboot router. 6. Verify version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Admin Interface Access
allLimit access to web administration interface to trusted IP addresses only
Configure firewall rules to restrict access to router admin interface (typically port 80/443)
Disable Vulnerable Endpoint
allBlock access to the specific vulnerable PHP endpoint
Add web server rule to block /admin/gnssAutoAlign.php
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate router management interface
- Enforce strong authentication policies and monitor for suspicious admin account activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version via web interface: System > Information > Software VersionCheck Version:
Check via web interface or SSH: cat /etc/versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 4.6.0.106 or higher for 4.6 branch, or 4.8.0.101 or higher for 4.8 branch📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual commands in system logs
- Multiple rapid requests to /admin/gnssAutoAlign.php
- Shell command execution from web user context
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic patterns suggesting command execution
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (uri="/admin/gnssAutoAlign.php" OR process="sh" OR process="bash")🔗 References
- https://pentest.blog/advisory-netmodule-router-software-race-condition-leads-to-remote-code-execution/
- https://share.netmodule.com/public/system-software/4.6/4.6.0.106/NRSW-RN-4.6.0.106.pdf
- https://share.netmodule.com/public/system-software/4.8/4.8.0.101/NRSW-RN-4.8.0.101.pdf
- https://pentest.blog/advisory-netmodule-router-software-race-condition-leads-to-remote-code-execution/
- https://share.netmodule.com/public/system-software/4.6/4.6.0.106/NRSW-RN-4.6.0.106.pdf
- https://share.netmodule.com/public/system-software/4.8/4.8.0.101/NRSW-RN-4.8.0.101.pdf
