CVE-2022-24157 in AX3
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2022
Tenda AX3 v16.03.12.10_CN was discovered to contain a stack overflow in the function formSetMacFilterCfg. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via the deviceList parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24157 affects the Tenda AX3 wireless router firmware version v16.03.12.10_CN, representing a critical stack overflow condition within the formSetMacFilterCfg function. This flaw resides in the device's web interface handling mechanism where user input is processed without adequate bounds checking. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the deviceList parameter is manipulated during MAC address filtering configuration, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to disrupt service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the router's firmware codebase, where the formSetMacFilterCfg function fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of incoming deviceList parameter values. This weakness creates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for both denial of service and remote code execution exploits. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous for networked devices.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-24157 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a fundamental security flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure. When exploited, the stack overflow condition causes the router's web server process to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in complete denial of service for network users who rely on the device for internet connectivity. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 Network Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to render network services unavailable. The affected device becomes an insecure point of entry for potential attackers who may use this vulnerability as a foothold for further network exploration or as part of larger attack campaigns targeting enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the buffer overflow condition in the formSetMacFilterCfg function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of affected devices and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in embedded systems, as highlighted by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components.