CVE-2022-37802 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the page parameter in the function fromNatStaticSetting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37802 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version V15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the page parameter within the fromNatStaticSetting function. This flaw resides in the router's web interface handling mechanism, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the stack memory during function execution. The stack overflow occurs when the device processes the page parameter without adequate bounds checking or sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crash. This vulnerability directly impacts the device's authentication and configuration management interfaces, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges or cause denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic buffer overflow pattern where the page parameter is processed through the fromNatStaticSetting function without proper input length validation. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted page parameter exceeding the allocated stack buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector operates through the web management interface, making it accessible to remote attackers who can craft malicious requests to exploit this condition without requiring physical access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-37802 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential pathway for complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially gaining full administrative control over the router. This compromise could enable the attacker to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, intercept network traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's NAT (Network Address Translation) static settings functionality, which is fundamental to router operation, making the impact particularly severe. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as exploitation may involve crafting specific payloads that manipulate the router's processing functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the stack overflow condition in the fromNatStaticSetting function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected devices and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when possible. The device should be configured to use strong authentication mechanisms and regular security monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict access to the router's management interfaces from untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in embedded systems, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and maintain regular security assessments of network infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other devices.