CVE-2018-7359 in ZXHN F670
Summary
by MITRE
All versions up to V1.1.10P3T18 of ZTE ZXHN F670 product are impacted by heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The CVE-2018-7359 vulnerability affects ZTE ZXHN F670 routers running firmware versions up to V1.1.10P3T18, representing a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition that poses significant security risks to network infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the device's firmware implementation and specifically targets memory management functions that handle data processing within the router's operating system. The flaw manifests when the device processes incoming network packets or configuration data that exceeds allocated buffer sizes, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential pathways for remote code execution attacks that could compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of network routers, this vulnerability typically arises from improper input validation within network protocol handlers or web interface components that process user-supplied data. Attackers can leverage this flaw by sending malicious packets or HTTP requests that trigger the overflow condition, potentially allowing them to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical memory structures. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who may not have physical access to the affected devices.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of CVE-2018-7359 extend far beyond individual device compromise, as it represents a potential gateway for broader network infiltration and lateral movement within enterprise environments. Network administrators utilizing ZTE ZXHN F670 devices face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive network data, potential for establishing persistent backdoors, and the ability to redirect network traffic through compromised devices. The vulnerability's presence in consumer-grade networking equipment also raises concerns about supply chain security, as these devices often serve as entry points for larger corporate networks. Organizations may experience cascading security failures when a single compromised router becomes a pivot point for attacking other network segments, particularly in environments where network segmentation is inadequate.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve firmware updates from ZTE, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Network administrators should prioritize immediate firmware upgrades to versions that have been patched against this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation remains high given the widespread deployment of affected devices. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to isolate affected devices, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conducting comprehensive network audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable firmware. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit communication with potentially compromised devices while conducting remediation activities.