CVE-2022-36480 in N350RT
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
TOTOLINK N350RT V9.3.5u.6139_B20201216 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the command parameter in the function setTracerouteCfg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36480 affects the TOTOLINK N350RT router firmware version V9.3.5u.6139_B20201216, representing a critical stack overflow condition that stems from improper input validation within the setTracerouteCfg function. This flaw exists within the router's web management interface where the command parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes traceroute configuration commands, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal network operations that utilize the traceroute functionality.
The technical implementation of this stack overflow vulnerability places the attacker in a position to manipulate the router's memory structure through carefully crafted input to the command parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of a web-based management interface, meaning that an unauthenticated remote attacker can potentially exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter. The stack overflow occurs during the processing of network diagnostic commands, specifically when the system attempts to store user-supplied data in a fixed-size buffer on the stack without proper validation of input length.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple denial of service, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root-level privileges on the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent access points, and potentially use the compromised device as a launching point for attacks against other devices on the local network. The vulnerability's remote accessibility means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home users alike. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as the compromised router could be used to redirect traffic or serve as a command and control server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36480 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially vulnerable devices running the same firmware versions, as this vulnerability may be present in other TOTOLINK router models with similar software implementations. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traceroute activity or unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.