CVE-2022-29591 in TX9 Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2022
Tenda TX9 Pro 22.03.02.10 devices have a SetNetControlList buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29591 affects Tenda TX9 Pro routers running firmware version 22.03.02.10 and potentially other affected models within the Tenda product line. This issue represents a critical buffer overflow condition that resides within the network control list functionality of the device's web interface. The flaw manifests when the device processes incoming data through the SetNetControlList function, which is responsible for managing network access control lists. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the device's embedded web server implementation, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs in the device's handling of network control list parameters submitted through HTTP requests. When an attacker sends a specially crafted request containing excessive data to the SetNetControlList endpoint, the device fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper validation of buffer boundaries during data processing operations. The affected device's embedded operating system and web server components lack adequate protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, or other modern exploit mitigations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions. The attack surface extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, or redirect network traffic through the compromised device. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication to exploit, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. Network defenders should consider this issue as a potential entry point for broader network infiltration, as compromised routers often serve as stepping stones for lateral movement within corporate networks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the compromised device to execute commands and maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-29591 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate compromise. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong access controls for router management interfaces, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly in network equipment where remote exploitation risks are significantly elevated. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known buffer overflow vulnerabilities in network devices.