CVE-2024-0296
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on Totolink N200RE routers by injecting malicious commands into the NTPSyncWithHost parameter. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices without authentication. All users running vulnerable firmware versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Totolink N200RE
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the router allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, intercept all network traffic, pivot to internal networks, or use the device for botnet activities.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, and network surveillance.
If Mitigated
No impact if device is not internet-facing and proper network segmentation is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code is available on GitHub. The vulnerability requires no authentication and has simple exploitation steps.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
No official patch available. Vendor did not respond to disclosure. Consider replacing affected devices or implementing strict network controls.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block Web Interface Access
linuxRestrict access to the router's web management interface (port 80/443) to trusted internal networks only.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s ! TRUSTED_NETWORK -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s ! TRUSTED_NETWORK -j DROP
Disable NTP Sync Feature
allIf possible, disable the NTP synchronization feature in router settings to remove the vulnerable endpoint.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected routers in a separate VLAN with strict firewall rules preventing outbound connections
- Implement network monitoring for unusual outbound connections from router IPs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version via web interface at System Status > Firmware Version. If version is 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
curl -s http://ROUTER_IP/cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi | grep -i versionVerify Fix Applied:
No fix available to verify. Consider testing with controlled exploit attempt if replacement firmware becomes available.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi with NTPSyncWithHost parameter containing shell metacharacters
- Unexpected command execution in router logs
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from router to unusual external IPs
- Unusual traffic patterns from router management interface
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND uri="/cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi" AND (param="NTPSyncWithHost" AND value CONTAINS "|" OR value CONTAINS ";" OR value CONTAINS "`" OR value CONTAINS "$")