Gl-ar300m Firmware: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2023-46456 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Gl-ar300m Firmware from GL.iNet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Gl-ar300m Firmware versions: 3.216. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 24.7% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 2.07% of all scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Gl-ar300m Firmware you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gl-inet | Gl-ar300m Firmware | 3.216 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
In GL.iNET GL-AR300M routers with firmware 3.216 it is possible to inject arbitrary shell commands through the OpenVPN client file upload functionality.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cyberaz0r.info/2023/11/glinet-multiple-vulnerabilities/Third Party Advisory
Other references
- gl-inet.com/Product
Other vulnerabilities in Gl-ar300m Firmware
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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