CVE-2022-37807 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function formSetClientState.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37807 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version V15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that arises within the formSetClientState function. This issue demonstrates a classic buffer management flaw where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate memory structures during routine network operations. The vulnerability exists in the web-based administrative interface of the router, making it accessible through standard network protocols and potentially exploitable by remote attackers without authentication.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the router processes HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters through the formSetClientState function. This function handles client state management within the router's web interface and fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. When an attacker sends input exceeding the allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and executing arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper bounds checking and input sanitization mechanisms that should be implemented according to secure coding practices outlined in the CWE-121 category for stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and system integrity. The stack overflow can lead to complete system compromise through code execution, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, modify network configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where these devices function as network gateways. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for malicious file execution, representing potential attack vectors for lateral movement and persistence.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through standard web-based attack methodologies. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing oversized parameters to trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The affected firmware version represents a specific release that contains the vulnerable code path, making it essential for network administrators to identify and update all instances of this router model to patched firmware versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also following NIST guidelines for firmware security updates and vulnerability management. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the implementation of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly those handling network communications and administrative functions.