CVE-2022-39068 in MF296R
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in ZTE MF296R. Due to insufficient validation of the SMS parameter length, an authenticated attacker could use the vulnerability to perform a denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2024
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39068 affects the ZTE MF296R device, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's operational integrity. This vulnerability resides within the SMS parameter handling mechanism of the device's firmware, where inadequate input validation permits maliciously crafted data to exceed allocated memory boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when the device processes SMS messages containing excessively long parameters, creating conditions where adjacent memory regions become overwritten with attacker-controlled data. Such a scenario fundamentally compromises the device's stability and can lead to complete system failure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the SMS processing module, which directly correlates to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The device fails to properly validate the length of incoming SMS parameters before attempting to store or process them, creating an exploitable condition where an authenticated attacker can manipulate the device's memory layout. The attack vector requires authentication to the device's administrative interface, as the vulnerability is accessible through legitimate management channels that accept SMS parameter inputs. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as it still enables denial of service attacks that can render the device completely non-operational.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can result in complete device compromise and persistent denial of service conditions. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause the device to crash or reboot continuously, effectively rendering the cellular modem unusable for its intended communication purposes. The device's inability to process legitimate SMS messages or maintain network connectivity creates cascading effects for users who depend on the device for critical communications. Network operators and enterprises utilizing these devices for remote monitoring or communication services face significant operational risks, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in deployed environments.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-39068 should prioritize firmware updates from ZTE as the primary remediation approach, as the vulnerability requires core firmware modifications to address the underlying validation flaws. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of administrative interfaces to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also establishing network segmentation to limit the impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework aligns with T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001, which addresses social engineering through spearphishing with zero-day exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying abnormal SMS parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices within their infrastructure.