CVE-2022-28082 in AX12
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2022
Tenda AX12 v22.03.01.21_CN was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the list parameter at /goform/SetNetControlList.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28082 affects the Tenda AX12 wireless router firmware version v22.03.01.21_CN, representing a critical stack overflow condition that stems from improper input validation within the web interface administration module. This specific flaw exists within the SetNetControlList function located at the /goform/SetNetControlList endpoint, which processes network control list parameters submitted through the web-based management interface. The vulnerability arises when the application fails to properly validate the length and content of the list parameter, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development. When an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an overly long list parameter to the vulnerable endpoint, the application's handling routine does not perform adequate bounds checking before copying the input data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This condition leads to the overwrite of adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and local variables, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication, making it accessible through the standard web interface that typically requires administrative credentials for legitimate use.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to network security as it allows unauthenticated remote code execution on affected devices, potentially enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the router. The implications extend beyond simple device compromise, as routers serve as critical network infrastructure components that control traffic flow, manage network access, and often provide security filtering functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could redirect network traffic, disable security features, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where multiple routers may be running the vulnerable firmware version, potentially creating a scalable attack surface that could affect entire network segments. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol to facilitate post-exploitation activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28082 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure and monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network administrators should disable unnecessary web management interfaces when possible and enforce strong authentication measures for legitimate access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in embedded systems, as well as the critical need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed requests targeting the specific vulnerable endpoint and establish procedures for rapid response to similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment.