CVE-2021-20138 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-20138, an unauthenticated command injection flaw in Gryphon Tower router's web interface, allowing attackers to execute commands as root.
An unauthenticated command injection vulnerability exists in multiple parameters in the Gryphon Tower router’s web interface at /cgi-bin/luci/rc. An unauthenticated remote attacker on the same network can execute commands as root on the device by sending a specially crafted malicious packet to the web interface.
Understanding CVE-2021-20138
This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of the vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-20138?
The vulnerability involves an unauthenticated command injection in the Gryphon Tower router's web interface, allowing remote attackers to run commands as root by sending malicious packets.
The Impact of CVE-2021-20138
The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized remote access to affected devices, potentially resulting in a complete compromise of the device's security and data.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-20138
This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in multiple parameters of the router's web interface, enabling unauthenticated attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Gryphon Tower router version <= 04.0004.12 (Current) is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted packets to the /cgi-bin/luci/rc endpoint, gaining root access to the device.
Mitigation and Prevention
Here, we outline the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20138.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor promptly to address this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Ensure network segmentation, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitor and update router configurations to enhance overall security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for firmware updates from the vendor and apply them as soon as they are available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.