CVE-2021-44352 in AC15
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2021
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow vlnerability exists in the Tenda AC15 V15.03.05.18_multi device via the list parameter in a post request in goform/SetIpMacBind.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-44352 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the Tenda AC15 V15.03.05.18_multi wireless router firmware. This flaw resides within the goform/SetIpMacBind API endpoint, which processes HTTP POST requests containing a list parameter. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking in the firmware's handling of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from improper memory management practices where developers fail to verify that input data fits within allocated buffer boundaries before copying or processing the data. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development that has been consistently flagged as a high-risk security concern by industry standards and security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable remote code execution on affected devices when successfully exploited. Attackers can craft malicious POST requests with oversized list parameters to trigger the buffer overflow, which may allow them to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures. This could lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure controlled by the router. The vulnerability affects the management interface of the device, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized individuals to gain administrative access to the router configuration, modify network settings, or establish persistent backdoors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1021.001 Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol, as attackers could leverage the compromised device to establish further network access or execute commands through the router's management interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-44352 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and restrict direct internet exposure of router management ports. Additional protective measures include deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious POST requests targeting the vulnerable API endpoint, implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and features on the router, particularly those that are not essential for business operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints often lead to insufficient security controls. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain incident response procedures for potential compromise of network devices. Regular vulnerability scanning and network monitoring are essential to detect and respond to exploitation attempts before they can cause significant damage to network infrastructure.