CVE-2024-7171
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in TOTOLINK A3600R routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands via command injection in the NTPSyncWithHost function. Attackers can exploit this to gain full control of affected devices. All users of TOTOLINK A3600R routers with the vulnerable firmware are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- TOTOLINK A3600R
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, intercept traffic, or use the device as part of a botnet.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict inbound filtering and network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code available on GitHub. Attack requires sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Vendor was contacted but did not respond. Consider replacing affected devices or implementing strict network controls.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block Access to Management Interface
linuxRestrict access to the router's web management interface from untrusted networks
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disable NTP Sync Function
allIf possible, disable the vulnerable NTP synchronization function via configuration
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected routers in a dedicated VLAN with strict firewall rules preventing outbound connections
- Implement network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns from router IP addresses
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface at System Status > Firmware Version or via SSH: cat /proc/versionCheck Version:
cat /proc/version | grep -i totolinkVerify Fix Applied:
No official fix available. Verify workarounds by testing if port 80/443 are accessible from untrusted networks.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi with NTPSyncWithHost parameter
- Suspicious command execution in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from router IP
- Traffic to known malicious IPs from router
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND "NTPSyncWithHost" AND ("hostTime=" OR "command=")🔗 References
- https://github.com/abcdefg-png/IoT-vulnerable/blob/main/TOTOLINK/A3600R/NTPSyncWithHost.md
- https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.272592
- https://vuldb.com/?id.272592
- https://vuldb.com/?submit.378038
- https://github.com/abcdefg-png/IoT-vulnerable/blob/main/TOTOLINK/A3600R/NTPSyncWithHost.md
- https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.272592
- https://vuldb.com/?id.272592
- https://vuldb.com/?submit.378038
