CVE-2022-37814 in AC1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Tenda AC1206 V15.03.06.23 was discovered to contain multiple stack overflows via the deviceMac and the device_id parameters in the function addWifiMacFilter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37814 affects the Tenda AC1206 router firmware version 15.03.06.23 and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the device's web interface management functions. This issue specifically manifests in the addWifiMacFilter function where the deviceMac and device_id parameters are processed without adequate input validation or bounds checking. The flaw exists at the application level within the router's embedded web server implementation, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data in HTTP request parameters, which allows an attacker to manipulate memory structures through crafted input sequences. Such stack overflow conditions can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, system instability, or complete device compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. In this case, the addWifiMacFilter function fails to validate the length of input parameters deviceMac and device_id before processing them, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it likely requires no authentication, making it accessible through unauthenticated web interface requests. The vulnerability enables potential attackers to inject malicious code into the router's memory space, potentially leading to persistent backdoor access or complete system takeover. This type of flaw falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, though more specifically relates to T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-37814 extends beyond simple device disruption to encompass significant security risks for network infrastructure. Compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network attacks, allowing threat actors to establish persistent access, monitor network traffic, or redirect traffic through malicious endpoints. The vulnerability affects not only individual devices but also potentially entire networks that rely on these routers for connectivity, as the compromised device can act as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network. Organizations using affected Tenda AC1206 devices face potential data breaches, unauthorized network access, and disruption of critical services. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be sufficient to prevent lateral movement. Additionally, the vulnerability may be exploited in automated scanning campaigns targeting known vulnerable firmware versions, increasing the attack surface and probability of exploitation. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation further compounds the risk, as any remote user can potentially trigger the vulnerability without requiring valid credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-37814 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Access controls should be enforced through firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks, though this is less effective against authenticated attacks. Regular security assessments should include firmware version checking and vulnerability scanning of networked devices to identify other potentially vulnerable routers. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or attempts to access router management interfaces. For devices that cannot be immediately updated, temporary network isolation or disabling of unnecessary services may provide interim protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security practices for network infrastructure devices. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing router compromise scenarios, including device recovery and network reconfiguration protocols. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should conduct thorough network audits to identify all instances of affected hardware and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.