CVE-2024-0298: Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2024-0298, a critical vulnerability found in Totolink N200RE 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216, allowing for OS command injection through the setDiagnosisCfg function in the file /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi.

Understanding CVE-2024-0298

CVE-2024-0298 is a critical vulnerability affecting Totolink N200RE 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216, enabling OS command injection via the setDiagnosisCfg function in the /cgi-bin/cstecgi.cgi file.

What is CVE-2024-0298?

The vulnerability in Totolink N200RE allows an attacker to execute malicious commands through the manipulation of the 'ip' argument, facilitating remote attacks. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, with the identifier VDB-249864.

The Impact of CVE-2024-0298

The impact of CVE-2024-0298 is significant, with a High severity base score of 7.3 in CVSS v3.1. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized remote command execution, potentially compromising the security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-0298

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the 'ip' argument of the setDiagnosisCfg function, allowing for OS command injection.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Totolink
Product: N200RE
Vulnerable Version: 9.3.5u.6139_B20201216

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by manipulating the 'ip' argument, enabling the execution of malicious commands on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2024-0298, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable remote access to affected systems if not required.
Implement firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access to vulnerable services.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the firmware of Totolink N200RE devices to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Educate system administrators and users on secure configuration practices to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Check with Totolink for official patches or updates to address the CVE-2024-0298 vulnerability on the affected N200RE devices. Ensure timely application of security fixes to safeguard your systems against potential threats.