CVE-2022-23399 in LinkHub Mesh Wifi MS1G
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2022
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the confsrv set_port_fwd_rule functionality of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wifi 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2022
The CVE-2022-23399 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the confsrv component of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wifi MS1G_00_01 firmware version. This vulnerability specifically affects the set_port_fwd_rule functionality, which handles port forwarding rule configurations within the wireless mesh network infrastructure. The flaw resides in how the system processes incoming network packets destined for the port forwarding configuration service, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through network-based attacks. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data to fixed-size stack buffers, allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code.
This buffer overflow vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, a well-documented weakness category that represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The attack vector requires an unauthenticated network connection to the affected device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from external networks without requiring any prior access credentials or physical presence. The operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially allow full device compromise, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain root access to the embedded system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mesh network environments where multiple devices communicate and share network resources, as exploitation could enable attackers to pivot between network segments and compromise entire network infrastructures.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows established attack patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1210 technique for Exploitation of Remote Services. Attackers would craft malicious network packets specifically designed to exceed the allocated buffer space in the set_port_fwd_rule function, causing a stack overflow that could overwrite return addresses and function pointers. The attack scenario typically involves sending malformed packets containing oversized port forwarding rules to the affected device, which then processes these rules without adequate input validation. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, or use the compromised device as a launch point for further attacks against other networked systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23399 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TCL to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly those handling network communications in IoT and networking equipment. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious packets targeting known buffer overflow patterns, while conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. The flaw underscores the necessity of robust software development practices and security testing in embedded firmware to prevent such critical vulnerabilities from reaching production environments.