CVE-2022-36552 in AC6
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
Tenda AC6(AC1200) v5.0 Firmware v02.03.01.114 and below contains an issue in the component /cgi-bin/DownloadFlash which allows attackers to steal all data such as source code and system files via a crafted GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36552 affects the Tenda AC6 (AC1200) router model running firmware versions v02.03.01.114 and earlier. This issue resides within the web interface component located at /cgi-bin/DownloadFlash which handles file download requests from remote attackers. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system information through manipulated http get requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the firmware's web server implementation, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal authentication procedures and retrieve confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a path traversal or directory traversal flaw within the DownloadFlash component. When an attacker submits a crafted GET request to the vulnerable endpoint, the system fails to properly validate the requested file paths, enabling access to arbitrary files on the device's file system. This includes not only configuration files and system binaries but potentially sensitive source code and operational data that should remain protected within the device's internal storage. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-284 Improper Access Control, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that have been extensively documented in the cybersecurity community.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to the router's internal structure and operational parameters. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain system configuration files that may contain network credentials, administrative passwords, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The exposure of source code represents particularly concerning implications as it may reveal implementation details, security flaws, and potential attack vectors that could be used against the device or other systems within the network. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for network security and could potentially enable attackers to establish persistent access points or launch more sophisticated attacks against connected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36552 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the vulnerable component and implement network segmentation to limit access to affected devices. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and implementing network access controls to restrict who can interact with the router's management interface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through network sniffing and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Regular security audits of embedded firmware components and adherence to secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against vulnerable devices.