Executive Summary

The vulnerability exists in TOTOLINK X6000R version 9.4.0cu.1498_B20250826 within the NTPSyncWithHost handler of the /usr/sbin/shttpd executable. It is an OS command injection flaw where the host_time parameter is obtained and passed to a shell command (date -s) without proper sanitization. Although the first two tokens of the input are validated, the rest of the input is not sanitized, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject arbitrary shell commands using shell metacharacters.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected device. This can lead to unauthorized control over the device, potentially allowing the attacker to manipulate system settings, access sensitive data, disrupt device functionality, or use the device as a foothold for further attacks within the network.

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Compliance Impact

I don't know

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Detection Guidance

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability involves an OS command injection in the NTPSyncWithHost handler of the /usr/sbin/shttpd executable, specifically via the host_time parameter. Detection can focus on monitoring or testing this parameter for injection attempts.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Since the vulnerability allows arbitrary shell commands via shell metacharacters in the host_time parameter, you can attempt to detect it by sending crafted requests to the affected service and observing the response or system behavior.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Use curl or similar tools to send authenticated requests to the NTPSyncWithHost endpoint with payloads containing shell metacharacters in the host_time parameter.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Example command to test injection (replace <auth> and <target> accordingly):'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "curl -u <auth> 'http://<target>/path_to_NTPSyncWithHost?host_time=validtoken;id'"}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "If the system executes the injected command (e.g., 'id'), it indicates the presence of the vulnerability."}] [1]

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting access to the vulnerable NTPSyncWithHost handler to trusted users only, as the vulnerability requires authentication.

Avoid passing unsanitized input to shell commands by applying input validation and sanitization on the host_time parameter.

If possible, disable or restrict the /usr/sbin/shttpd service or the specific NTPSyncWithHost functionality until a patch or update is available.

Monitor for unusual command execution or system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.

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