CVE-2023-38902 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A command injection vulnerability in certain series of home routers, switches, VPN routers, wireless access points, and wireless controllers allows for remote command execution, posing a significant security risk.

Understanding CVE-2023-38902

This section will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2023-38902 vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-38902?

The CVE-2023-38902 vulnerability is a command injection flaw present in various network devices, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely using a specially crafted POST request.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38902

With this vulnerability, authorized attackers can compromise the security of affected devices, leading to unauthorized remote command execution and potential misuse of device resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38902

Let's explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-38902 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in RG-EW series home routers and repeaters, RG-NBS and RG-S1930 series switches, RG-EG series business VPN routers, EAP and RAP series wireless access points, and NBC series wireless controllers. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a specially crafted POST request to /cgi-bin/luci/api/cmd through the remoteIp field.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include various series of devices with specific firmware versions, such as EW_3.0(1)B11P219, SWITCH_3.0(1)B11P219, EG_3.0(1)B11P219, AP_3.0(1)B11P219, and AC_3.0(1)B11P219.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves sending a malicious POST request to the vulnerable endpoint /cgi-bin/luci/api/cmd, leveraging the remoteIp field to execute unauthorized commands on the targeted devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your network and devices from CVE-2023-38902, follow these essential steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable remote access to vulnerable devices if not required
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software patches for the affected devices
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities
Educate users and administrators about safe networking practices

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories from the device manufacturer and apply relevant patches promptly to mitigate the CVE-2023-38902 vulnerability.