CVE-2022-36500 in Magic NX18 Plus
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
H3C Magic NX18 Plus NX18PV100R003 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function EditWlanMacList.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36500 affects H3C Magic NX18 Plus NX18PV100R003 network devices, representing a critical stack overflow condition that emerges within the EditWlanMacList function. This flaw resides in the device's web-based management interface and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted input is processed through the EditWlanMacList function, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects network infrastructure equipment that typically operates in sensitive environments where unauthorized access could lead to complete network compromise. The affected device runs a proprietary operating system that includes a web server component responsible for handling configuration requests through the vulnerable function.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The EditWlanMacList function processes wireless mac address lists submitted through the web interface, but fails to validate the length of input data against the allocated buffer space. When an attacker submits a specially crafted payload exceeding the buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack surface is particularly broad as the vulnerability is accessible through the standard web management interface, requiring no physical access or specialized equipment for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-36500 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete device compromise and subsequent network infiltration. An attacker who gains control of the affected device can manipulate wireless network configurations, intercept traffic, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects devices deployed in enterprise environments, educational institutions, and government networks where wireless access points serve as critical components of the overall security posture. The device's role in wireless network management makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish long-term access to network segments or to pivot to other network resources. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in network infrastructure equipment means that exploitation could result in service disruption, data exfiltration, or complete network compromise depending on the attacker's objectives and the network architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36500 should focus on immediate patching of affected devices, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of web interface access patterns. Organizations should prioritize updating their H3C Magic NX18 Plus devices to the latest firmware versions that address the stack overflow vulnerability in the EditWlanMacList function. Network administrators should implement strict access controls limiting web interface access to trusted IP addresses and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation attempts, so continuous monitoring for unusual web interface activity, failed login attempts, or unusual traffic patterns should be implemented. Network segmentation strategies should isolate affected devices from critical network segments to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting the specific vulnerable function and consider disabling unnecessary web management features. The remediation process must include thorough testing of firmware updates to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations or services that depend on the affected device functionality.