CVE-2022-37804 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the time parameter in the function saveParentControlInfo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37804 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version 15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that stems from improper input validation within the saveParentControlInfo function. This flaw occurs when processing the time parameter, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability resides in the router's web interface handling mechanism where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being passed to stack-based functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the time parameter value exceeds the allocated stack buffer space within the saveParentControlInfo function. This condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw manifests when the firmware processes HTTP requests containing maliciously crafted time values through the affected parameter, leading to stack corruption that can be exploited to redirect program execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security as it enables remote attackers to compromise the affected router without requiring authentication credentials. The attack surface extends beyond simple exploitation to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could gain administrative access to the device and subsequently compromise the entire network. Network defenders face challenges in detecting this vulnerability due to its potential for silent exploitation and the difficulty in distinguishing legitimate traffic from malicious payloads targeting this specific stack overflow condition.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This classification places the vulnerability within the broader context of memory safety issues that frequently appear in embedded systems and network device firmware. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where initial access through web interface exploitation leads to elevated system privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering or exploitation of web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-37804 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments including firmware vulnerability scanning and network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls on network devices can provide additional defense layers against similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations should also establish robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates for all network infrastructure devices.