CVE-2022-41015 in QUARTZ-GOLD
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
Several stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the DetranCLI command parsing functionality of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020. A specially-crafted network packet can lead to arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send a sequence of requests to trigger these vulnerabilities.This buffer overflow is in the function that manages the 'vpn basic protocol (l2tp|pptp) name WORD server WORD username WORD passsword WORD firmwall (on|off) defroute (on|off)' command template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41015 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the DetranCLI command parsing functionality of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020 network security device. This flaw exists in the command processing layer that handles VPN configuration commands, specifically targeting the 'vpn basic protocol (l2tp|pptp) name WORD server WORD username WORD passsword WORD firmwall (on|off) defroute (on|off)' template structure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the command parsing function, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow allocated stack buffers. The affected device operates as a network security appliance that manages VPN connections, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code on the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where the command parsing function fails to properly validate the length of input parameters provided in the VPN configuration command. When an attacker crafts a malicious packet containing oversized values for any of the WORD parameters within the command template, the function attempts to copy this data into a fixed-size stack buffer without proper bounds checking. This condition allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability specifically targets the parsing of protocol type, server address, username, password, firewall settings, and default route configuration parameters, all of which are processed through a single vulnerable function. According to CWE-121, this represents a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a complete remote code execution capability to any attacker who can send network packets to the affected device. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full administrative control over the QUARTZ-GOLD device, potentially enabling them to modify VPN configurations, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such security appliances are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure network communications by allowing attackers to compromise the VPN infrastructure management functions, potentially leading to complete network infiltration. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078.004 (Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts) as attackers could leverage the compromised device to maintain persistence and escalate privileges within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41015 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Siretta to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit network exposure of the affected device, particularly in environments where external network access is not required. The implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts through unusual command patterns or malformed packets targeting the vulnerable command parsing functionality. Regular security assessments should include verification of device firmware versions and patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict direct access to the device's management interfaces and establish secure remote access procedures that do not rely on potentially vulnerable command parsing mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in network security appliances and demonstrates how seemingly benign configuration commands can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking is absent from the implementation.