CVE-2022-37073 in GR-1200W
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
H3C GR-1200W MiniGRW1A0V100R006 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function UpdateWanModeMulti.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37073 affects the H3C GR-1200W MiniGRW1A0V100R006 network device firmware, representing a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the UpdateWanModeMulti function. This issue demonstrates a classic buffer management flaw where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation during network mode updates. The stack overflow occurs when the device processes incoming data through the UpdateWanModeMulti function, which fails to properly validate the length of input parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers on the stack. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, a well-documented weakness that has been consistently identified as a high-risk security flaw in embedded systems and network appliances.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the device's operating environment. When exploited, the stack overflow can overwrite critical function return addresses and program control flow, enabling attackers to redirect execution to malicious code payloads. This represents a significant risk for network infrastructure devices, as the GR-1200W is commonly deployed in enterprise and small office environments where it serves as a gateway device managing network traffic. The vulnerability affects the device's WAN configuration update functionality, which is frequently accessed during network administration tasks, making it a prime target for exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework category T1210, this vulnerability could enable adversaries to gain access to network infrastructure through the exploitation of remote code execution flaws in network devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send specially crafted data to the UpdateWanModeMulti function through the device's network interface, typically via HTTP requests or other management protocols. The device's firmware fails to implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization, allowing an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw is particularly concerning for embedded network devices because they often operate in resource-constrained environments where stack overflow exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to properly manage WAN connection modes, which are fundamental to network connectivity and security policy enforcement. Network administrators should be aware that this issue can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the device is accessible from untrusted networks. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries use command and control channels to execute malicious code through vulnerable network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-37073 should prioritize firmware updates from H3C to address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the UpdateWanModeMulti function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected device to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services and ports, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly the need for proper input validation and buffer management. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with exploitation attempts, as the stack overflow may manifest through unusual memory access patterns or service disruptions. Regular security audits of network infrastructure components are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire network ecosystem, as embedded devices often share similar architectural patterns that may contain comparable flaws.