CVE-2022-37096 in H200
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
H3C H200 H200V100R004 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function EnableIpv6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37096 affects H3C H200 and H200V100R004 network devices, representing a critical stack overflow condition within the EnableIpv6 function. This flaw exists in the device's firmware implementation and demonstrates a classic buffer management failure that can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt system operations. The stack overflow occurs when the system processes input data through the EnableIpv6 function, which handles IPv6 protocol configuration parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the function's implementation, allowing maliciously crafted data to exceed allocated stack buffer boundaries. Such conditions typically arise from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly processed without proper boundary verification. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for network infrastructure devices that must maintain robust security postures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities when attackers can manipulate the input parameters passed to the EnableIpv6 function. The stack overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, thereby allowing for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network equipment as it can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative interfaces, modify network configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. Attackers could exploit this through network-based attacks that send specially crafted packets or API calls to the device's management interfaces, triggering the vulnerable function. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that no physical access or local credentials are required for successful exploitation, making it a significant threat vector for network security.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-37096 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader network security implications. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete device takeover, enabling attackers to modify routing tables, disable security features, or redirect network traffic through malicious means. The affected H3C H200 series devices are commonly deployed in enterprise and service provider networks where they serve as critical infrastructure components, making their compromise particularly concerning. The vulnerability affects network availability and integrity, as attackers could potentially cause denial of service conditions by crashing the device or by modifying network configurations to disrupt connectivity. Additionally, the compromised device could be used as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network, allowing attackers to access other connected systems and expand their attack surface. The vulnerability also impacts the device's ability to maintain secure communications and enforce network policies, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-37096 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from H3C to address the underlying stack overflow condition in the EnableIpv6 function. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks while awaiting patch deployment. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and network monitoring tools can help identify exploitation attempts through anomalous traffic patterns or configuration changes. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected device models within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary IPv6 configuration interfaces when not required, implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, and maintaining detailed audit logs of configuration changes. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict administrative access to these devices and ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with the EnableIpv6 function. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter indicates that exploitation could involve command injection attacks, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components, as this vulnerability type demonstrates common patterns in embedded network device implementations.