CVE-2015-2797 in Air
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in AirTies Air 6372, 5760, 5750, 5650TT, 5453, 5444TT, 5443, 5442, 5343, 5342, 5341, and 5021 DSL modems with firmware 1.0.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the redirect parameter to cgi-bin/login.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-2797 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple AirTies DSL modem models including the Air 6372, 5760, 5750, 5650TT, 5453, 5444TT, 5443, 5442, 5343, 5342, 5341, and 5021 devices. This issue resides within the web interface authentication mechanism of the affected firmware versions 1.0.2.0 and earlier, specifically in the handling of the redirect parameter within the cgi-bin/login endpoint. The flaw manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow where an attacker can supply an excessively long string to the redirect parameter, causing the program to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure devices. Attackers can exploit this flaw from outside the network perimeter, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected modems. Once exploited, the attacker could modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious software, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability's accessibility through the standard web interface means that any user who can reach the device's IP address could potentially exploit it, making it a significant risk for both residential and enterprise deployments where these modems are commonly used.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services tactic, where adversaries leverage unpatched vulnerabilities in network services to gain unauthorized access. The specific attack vector involves crafting a malicious HTTP request with an overly long redirect parameter that triggers the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the successful exploitation results in elevated privileges for the attacker. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in residential settings where firmware updates may not be regularly applied, creating a persistent risk. The lack of authentication requirements makes this particularly concerning for network security, as it allows for automated exploitation and reconnaissance without the need for prior access to the network. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also prioritizing firmware updates to address this critical vulnerability that could compromise entire network infrastructures.