CVE-2022-24019 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 netctrl binary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2022
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24019 affects the TCL LinkHub Mesh Wi-Fi MS1G_00_01 device firmware, specifically within the GetValue functionality of the netctrl binary component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the device's configuration handling system, creating a critical security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw manifests when the system processes configuration values through the GetValue function, where insufficient boundary checks allow maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This particular vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, representing a fundamental flaw in memory management that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The affected netctrl binary serves as a core component responsible for network control operations and configuration management, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system disruption, as it creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected Wi-Fi mesh network infrastructure. When an attacker successfully crafts a configuration value that triggers the buffer overflow, they can potentially execute arbitrary code within the device's operational context, leading to complete compromise of the network node. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it operates within the device's configuration processing framework, making it particularly dangerous for mesh network deployments where multiple devices communicate and coordinate. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the overflow can be leveraged to gain elevated privileges within the device's operating environment. The buffer overflow affects all instances within the netctrl binary, indicating a systemic flaw rather than an isolated incident, which amplifies the potential impact across multiple devices in the same firmware version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24019 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TCL to address the underlying buffer overflow conditions in the netctrl binary. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, so implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures for this specific buffer overflow pattern is recommended. Device vendors should conduct thorough code reviews of similar functions within the same firmware components to identify and remediate potential variants of this vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring should focus on detecting unusual configuration modification patterns and ensure that only authorized personnel can modify device settings through secure administrative channels. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to verify that the patched firmware properly validates all input values and implements proper bounds checking mechanisms to prevent future buffer overflow conditions in similar functionalities.