CVE-2022-24012 in LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2022
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the GetValue functionality of TCL LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G_00_01.00_14. A specially-crafted configuration value can lead to a buffer overflow. An attacker can modify a configuration value to trigger this vulnerability.This vulnerability represents all occurances of the buffer overflow vulnerability within the fota binary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2022
The CVE-2022-24012 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the TCL LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G_00_01 device firmware, specifically impacting the GetValue functionality of the fota binary component. This vulnerability resides in the firmware's handling of configuration values, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to craft specially crafted configuration data that can trigger memory corruption. The affected device operates within the mesh Wi-Fi ecosystem, where configuration management plays a crucial role in device operation and network management. The buffer overflow occurs when the device processes configuration values without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the fota binary execution environment. This particular vulnerability affects all instances of buffer overflow within the fota binary, indicating a systemic flaw in how the firmware handles configuration data processing and memory allocation for value retrieval operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms within the GetValue function, which is part of the firmware's over-the-air update system. When an attacker crafts a configuration value that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program state information or even allowing code execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability provides attackers with opportunities to manipulate the device's operational behavior, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the fota binary, which is responsible for firmware updates and system management functions within the mesh network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device instability, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized control over mesh Wi-Fi infrastructure components. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify device configurations, disrupt network operations, or even install malicious firmware versions through the compromised update mechanism. The mesh network topology amplifies the risk since a single compromised device could affect the entire network segment, potentially creating persistent backdoors or enabling lateral movement attacks across the mesh infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects network security posture by undermining the integrity of the device management system, which is critical for maintaining secure network operations. The risk is further compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists within the fota binary, suggesting that attackers could potentially exploit it during firmware update processes, creating a persistent threat vector that could survive device reboots.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24012 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TCL, as the vulnerability affects core system functionality within the mesh network infrastructure. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of configuration management systems to detect unauthorized modifications that could trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability's presence in the fota binary suggests that defensive measures should include runtime integrity checking and memory protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised device within the mesh network. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through firmware manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise network security. The recommended approach includes comprehensive vulnerability assessment of all mesh network devices, implementation of secure configuration management practices, and establishment of robust monitoring procedures to detect anomalous configuration changes that could indicate exploitation attempts.