CVE-2022-30472 in AC18
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2022
Tenda AC Seris Router AC18_V15.03.05.19(6318) has a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in function fromAddressNat
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30472 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Tenda AC Series routers running firmware version AC18_V15.03.05.19(6318). This vulnerability specifically resides within the fromAddressNat function, which suggests the issue occurs during network address translation operations typically employed in router firmware to manage traffic between internal and external networks. The stack-based nature of this buffer overflow indicates that the vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the fromAddressNat function, where user-supplied data is processed without adequate bounds checking. When maliciously crafted input is passed to this function, it can exceed the allocated buffer size on the stack, causing memory corruption that may be exploited by attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector in embedded systems and network infrastructure devices. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents a significant risk to network security infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the router's ability to properly handle network traffic and could allow attackers to redirect traffic, modify network settings, or establish persistent access points within the network. Given that routers serve as fundamental network gateways, the compromise of such devices can result in widespread network infiltration and data exfiltration capabilities for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the manufacturer is expected to provide patched versions addressing the buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous behavior that may suggest exploitation of this vulnerability. The security community should treat this vulnerability as a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention, particularly in environments where Tenda routers are deployed in critical network infrastructure roles where unauthorized access could result in significant operational and security consequences.