CVE-2022-21201 in LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2022
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the confers ucloud_add_node_new functionality of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G_00_01.00_14. A specially-crafted network packet can lead to stack-based buffer overflow. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21201 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the TCL LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G_00_01 device firmware, specifically affecting the confers ucloud_add_node_new functionality. This flaw resides in the wireless mesh networking equipment manufactured by TCL, which is commonly deployed in enterprise and residential networking environments where mesh Wi-Fi systems provide seamless connectivity across multiple access points. The affected device operates within the broader context of wireless networking infrastructure where security vulnerabilities can have widespread implications for network integrity and user privacy.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ucloud_add_node_new function, which processes network packets containing node information for mesh network configuration. When the system receives a specially-crafted network packet, it fails to adequately validate the size or content of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the application does not perform bounds checking on user-supplied data, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The CWE-121 classification applies here as the vulnerability manifests through improper handling of stack-based buffers where the application writes data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially corrupting program execution flow and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution within the affected device's operating environment. An attacker positioned within the network range of the vulnerable device can exploit this weakness by crafting and transmitting malicious packets that trigger the buffer overflow condition. This exploitation capability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1210 technique for exploiting known vulnerabilities, as it leverages a well-documented weakness in network device firmware. The consequences include potential complete system compromise, unauthorized access to network resources, data interception, and the ability to establish persistent access points within the mesh network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21201 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TCL to address the root cause of the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks while awaiting patches. Additional defensive measures include network monitoring for anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious traffic targeting this specific vulnerability, and establishing network access controls that restrict which devices can communicate with mesh network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components to prevent similar weaknesses in future deployments.