CVE-2024-36782
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to gain root access to TOTOLINK CP300 routers by using a hardcoded password found in a sample configuration file. Anyone using the affected firmware version is vulnerable to complete system compromise. The hardcoded credentials enable unauthorized administrative control over the device.
💻 Affected Systems
- TOTOLINK CP300
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain persistent root access, install malware, pivot to internal networks, intercept all traffic, and brick devices.
Likely Case
Attackers gain root access to vulnerable devices, modify configurations, intercept network traffic, and use devices for botnets.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the compromised device only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only knowledge of the hardcoded password and SSH/Telnet access to the device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None known
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check vendor website for firmware updates and apply if available.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Change root password
linuxManually change the root password to a strong, unique password
passwd root
Remove /etc/shadow.sample
linuxDelete the vulnerable sample file containing hardcoded credentials
rm /etc/shadow.sample
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Disable remote management interfaces and restrict SSH/Telnet to internal networks only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if /etc/shadow.sample exists and contains hardcoded credentials. Use command: cat /etc/shadow.sampleCheck Version:
Check firmware version in web interface or use: cat /proc/versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify /etc/shadow.sample is removed and root password has been changed. Use command: ls -la /etc/shadow.sample && echo 'Check password changed'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed SSH/Telnet login attempts followed by successful root login
- Unexpected configuration changes
- New SSH keys or users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- SSH/Telnet connections from unexpected IPs
- DNS or routing configuration changes
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" (event="authentication success" AND user="root") OR (event="configuration change")