CVE-2018-15353 in 24F2XG
Summary
by MITRE
A Buffer Overflow exploited through web interface by remote attacker can cause remote code execution in Kraftway 24F2XG Router firmware 3.5.30.1118.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15353 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Kraftway 24F2XG router firmware version 3.5.30.1118 that exposes the device to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component of the router firmware, creating an exploitable entry point that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The buffer overflow occurs when the router processes incoming data through its web management interface, where insufficient input validation and bounds checking enable attackers to overflow memory buffers and potentially overwrite critical program execution elements.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The flaw manifests when the router firmware fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied input data submitted through web forms or API endpoints, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that exceed buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security and device integrity. Once successfully exploited, remote attackers can gain full administrative control over the affected router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious servers, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, especially in environments where multiple devices share the same firmware version. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network monitoring capabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows a pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploiting weaknesses in remote services to gain system access. Attackers would likely begin by scanning for devices running the vulnerable firmware version, then craft specially formatted requests that trigger the buffer overflow condition. The successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify routing tables, or establish persistent access through rootkit installations. Organizations using affected Kraftway routers should immediately implement network segmentation strategies and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the buffer overflow condition, network access control measures to restrict web interface access to trusted administrative networks, and comprehensive monitoring of network traffic for anomalous patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based firewall rules that limit access to the router's web management interface to specific IP addresses and establish regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify other potentially affected devices within their infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper network security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure devices.