CVE-2022-37808 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the index parameter in the function formWifiWpsOOB.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37808 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version V15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that arises from improper input validation within the web interface handling code. This flaw exists within the formWifiWpsOOB function where the index parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking or sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's memory management structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic buffer overflow scenario where the index parameter passed to the formWifiWpsOOB function is directly used to manipulate stack memory without proper validation of its size or content. When an attacker crafts a specially formatted request containing an oversized index value, the function fails to properly handle the input, leading to a stack corruption condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. 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 operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected router. Once exploited, the stack overflow could allow remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the device. This compromise could lead to persistent access to the local network, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or the installation of persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability affects the device's web-based management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring physical access to the device.
Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1021.001 for Remote Services. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with the initial access phase of an attack chain, where adversaries establish a foothold within a network through compromised network infrastructure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Tenda, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-provided parameters in web applications. Given the nature of stack overflow vulnerabilities, additional protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections should be considered as part of a comprehensive defense strategy. The affected device should be taken offline immediately until proper firmware updates are applied, as continued operation exposes the network to potential compromise and unauthorized access.