CVE-2018-20841 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

HooToo TripMate Titan HT-TM05 and HT-05 routers with firmware versions 2.000.022 and 2.000.082 are susceptible to remote command execution through specific requests.

Understanding CVE-2018-20841

These routers are vulnerable to a remote command execution exploit that can be triggered by manipulating the mac parameter in a particular request.

What is CVE-2018-20841?

The routers HooToo TripMate Titan HT-TM05 and HT-05 with firmware versions 2.000.022 and 2.000.082 are at risk of remote command execution due to a security flaw in the handling of shell metacharacters.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20841

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected routers, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20841

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the mac parameter of the protocol.csp?function=set&fname=security&opt=mac_table request, enabling remote command execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

HooToo TripMate Titan HT-TM05 with firmware version 2.000.022
HooToo TripMate Titan HT-05 with firmware version 2.000.082

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by inserting shell metacharacters in the mac parameter of the specific request, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized commands remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20841 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable remote access to the routers if not required
Implement strong firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access
Regularly monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep firmware and software up to date to patch known vulnerabilities
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing
Educate users on best practices for network security

Patching and Updates

Check for firmware updates from the vendor to address the vulnerability
Apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation