CVE-2023-46411 – This vulnerability allows remote attackers to e... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-46411?

CVE-2023-46411 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on TOTOLINK X6000R routers via the sub_415258 function. It affects users running vulnerable firmware versions, potentially enabling complete device compromise. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to gain full control.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on TOTOLINK X6000R routers via the sub_415258 function. It affects users running vulnerable firmware versions, potentially enabling complete device compromise. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to gain full control.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

TOTOLINK X6000R

Versions: v9.4.0cu.652_B20230116 and likely earlier versions

Operating Systems: Embedded Linux (router firmware)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: The vulnerability exists in the firmware's web interface component. All devices running the affected firmware are vulnerable regardless of configuration.

📦 What is this software?

X6000r Firmware by Totolink

View all CVEs affecting X6000r Firmware →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete router takeover allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install persistent malware, pivot to internal networks, and use the device for botnet activities.

🟠

Likely Case

Router compromise leading to network traffic interception, DNS hijacking, credential theft, and lateral movement to connected devices.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if network segmentation isolates the router and external access is restricted, though local network devices remain at risk.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Routers are typically internet-facing devices, and the exploit requires no authentication, making them prime targets for automated attacks.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - If internet access is blocked, risk reduces but internal attackers or malware could still exploit the vulnerability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Public GitHub repository contains technical details and likely exploit code. The high CVSS score and unauthenticated nature make weaponization probable.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check vendor website for latest firmware

Vendor Advisory: https://www.totolink.cn/index.php/home/menu/detail.html?menu_listtpl=download&id=88&ids=36

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Visit TOTOLINK support website 2. Download latest firmware for X6000R 3. Log into router admin interface 4. Navigate to firmware upgrade section 5. Upload and install new firmware 6. Reboot router

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable WAN Management

all

Prevent external access to router management interface

Login to router admin → Security → Remote Management → Disable

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate router on separate VLAN to limit lateral movement

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Replace affected router with different model or vendor
Place router behind firewall with strict inbound rules blocking all unnecessary ports

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version in router admin interface under System Status or Firmware Upgrade section

Check Version:

Login to router web interface and navigate to firmware information page

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version matches or exceeds patched version from vendor advisory

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual command execution in system logs
Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
Unexpected process creation

Network Indicators:

Unusual outbound connections from router
DNS queries to suspicious domains
Port scanning originating from router

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND ("command injection" OR "sub_415258" OR unusual_process="*sh" OR unusual_process="*bash")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-46411

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-77

Published: October 25, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://github.com/XYIYM/Digging/blob/main/TOTOLINK/X6000R/11/1.md Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.totolink.cn/index.php/home/menu/detail.html?menu_listtpl=download&id=88&ids=36 Product
https://github.com/XYIYM/Digging/blob/main/TOTOLINK/X6000R/11/1.md Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.totolink.cn/index.php/home/menu/detail.html?menu_listtpl=download&id=88&ids=36 Product

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