CVE-2022-28560 in AC9
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2022
There is a stack overflow vulnerability in the goform/fast_setting_wifi_set function in the httpd service of Tenda ac9 15.03.2.21_cn router. An attacker can obtain a stable shell through a carefully constructed payload
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28560 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Tenda AC9 router model running firmware version 15.03.2.21_cn. This flaw exists within the httpd service component specifically in the goform/fast_setting_wifi_set function, which handles wireless network configuration settings through the web interface. The stack overflow occurs when processing user-supplied input through HTTP requests, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution and complete system compromise.
This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the affected router firmware. The goform/fast_setting_wifi_set function fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of incoming data parameters, allowing an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in embedded network devices. The vulnerability exists at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation grants an attacker full control over the router's operating system, enabling them to establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, intercept and manipulate traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacks on other networked systems. The ability to obtain a stable shell means that attackers can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home users who may not regularly update their router firmware, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by automated scanning tools. The attack surface is expanded due to the widespread deployment of Tenda AC9 routers in both residential and commercial environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28560 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. Additionally, disabling unnecessary services and ports, particularly those related to web management interfaces, can reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and regularly auditing their networked devices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including endpoint detection and response capabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other network infrastructure components.