CVE-2022-25072 in Archer A54
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
TP-Link Archer A54 Archer A54(US)_V1_210111 routers were discovered to contain a stack overflow in the function DM_ Fillobjbystr(). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2022
The TP-Link Archer A54 router model presents a critical stack overflow vulnerability within its firmware implementation that stems from improper input validation in the DM_Fillobjectbystr() function. This flaw exists in the device's web-based management interface and represents a fundamental security weakness that affects versions prior to the 20210111 release. The vulnerability arises when the router processes malformed input data through its configuration management subsystem, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This particular implementation flaw allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who may not be aware of the compromised device. The stack overflow occurs during the processing of user-supplied parameters that are not properly bounds-checked before being copied into fixed-size buffers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to the router's administrative functions and underlying network infrastructure. An unauthenticated attacker can leverage this weakness to gain full control over the device, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoor access points. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects consumer-grade networking equipment that is often deployed in residential and small office environments where network security monitoring may be limited. The lack of authentication requirements means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from external network positions, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system through the router's command processing capabilities.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the buffer overflow condition in the DM_Fillobjectbystr() function. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate compromise. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, particularly when analyzing HTTP requests containing malformed parameters. Device vendors should consider implementing additional input validation measures and address the root cause by ensuring proper bounds checking and memory management practices in all firmware components. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and establish procedures for rapid response to similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those with web interfaces that must process untrusted data from network sources. Regular firmware update procedures and security awareness training for network administrators can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure timely remediation of discovered vulnerabilities.