CVE-2022-46631 is a critical command injection vulnerability identified in the TOTOlink A7100RU router firmware version V7.4cu.2313_B20191024. The vulnerability exists in the function setting/setWiFiSignalCfg, specifically through the wscDisabled parameter. Command injection vulnerabilities occur when untrusted input is passed to a system shell or command interpreter without proper sanitization, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. In this case, the wscDisabled parameter can be manipulated remotely without authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). This means an attacker can exploit the vulnerability over the network with low complexity and no privileges required. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the router, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and potentially the entire network it serves. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), confirming the nature of the command injection flaw. No patches or fixes have been publicly disclosed yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild as of the published date (December 15, 2022). Given the critical CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability represents a severe risk to affected devices and networks relying on this router model and firmware version.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could have significant consequences. The TOTOlink A7100RU router is typically used in small office/home office (SOHO) environments, but if deployed in enterprise branch offices or critical infrastructure segments, compromise could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and disruption of network services. Attackers gaining control over the router can manipulate traffic, intercept sensitive communications, or launch further attacks against internal systems. The lack of authentication requirement and ease of exploitation increase the risk of widespread compromise, especially in environments where these routers are exposed to the internet or poorly segmented. This could affect confidentiality of sensitive data, integrity of network configurations, and availability of network connectivity. Additionally, compromised routers could be leveraged as part of botnets or for launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, impacting broader organizational and national cybersecurity postures. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the critical severity demands immediate attention to prevent potential exploitation.

1. Immediate network segmentation: Isolate TOTOlink A7100RU routers from critical network segments and restrict remote management access to trusted IP addresses only. 2. Disable remote administration interfaces (e.g., WAN-side management) if enabled by default to reduce exposure. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual command execution patterns or unexpected outbound connections originating from the router. 4. Implement strict firewall rules to limit inbound traffic to the router’s management ports. 5. If possible, replace affected routers with models from vendors with active security support and patch availability. 6. Regularly audit router firmware versions and configurations to identify vulnerable devices. 7. Engage with TOTOlink support channels to request firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability. 8. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect command injection attempts targeting router management interfaces. 9. Educate network administrators on the risks of exposed management interfaces and the importance of timely patching and configuration hardening. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on network architecture adjustments, active monitoring, and vendor engagement specific to this vulnerability and device type.