CVE-2022-37801 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the list parameter at the function formSetQosBand.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37801 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version V15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the web interface handling logic. This flaw exists in the formSetQosBand function where the list parameter is processed without adequate input validation or bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the router's web administration interface. When a malicious actor submits a specially crafted payload containing an excessively long list parameter to the formSetQosBand function, the application fails to validate the input length before processing it. This allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability manifests as a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where the fixed-size buffer allocated for the list parameter can be exceeded, causing memory corruption that may result in denial of service or remote code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security as it allows remote code execution without authentication requirements. An attacker can exploit this flaw from outside the network perimeter to gain control of the router, potentially enabling them to modify network settings, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points. The impact extends beyond the individual device as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may be insufficient. The vulnerability affects the Quality of Service (QoS) configuration functionality, which means that an attacker could manipulate bandwidth allocation policies to disrupt network services or create backdoor access paths.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through the web-based administration interface of the router, which typically operates on standard HTTP ports such as port 80 or HTTPS port 443. According to the CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that lacks proper input validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within the network once initial access is achieved. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the stack overflow condition, network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing strict access controls to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of embedded network devices to prevent similar issues in the future.