CVE-2022-44168 in AC15
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2022
Tenda AC15 V15.03.05.18 is vulnerable to Buffer Overflow via function fromSetRouteStatic..
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-44168 affects the Tenda AC15 wireless router model running firmware version V15.03.05.18 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the device's web interface management functionality. This issue specifically manifests within the fromSetRouteStatic function, which handles static route configuration parameters submitted through the router's administrative web portal. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing user-supplied data destined for buffer storage within the router's memory space. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input parameters that exceed the allocated buffer size, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution within the router's operating environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The fromSetRouteStatic function appears to utilize fixed-size buffers without proper validation of input lengths, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, as it represents an attack surface exposed through the router's web management interface. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that it occurs within a function designed to configure network routing parameters, suggesting that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to redirect network traffic or gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides potential attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process. This could enable attackers to modify network configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability affects the router's ability to maintain secure network operations, potentially allowing adversaries to perform man-in-the-middle attacks or redirect traffic through compromised routing paths. Given that many users configure their routers with default credentials or weak authentication mechanisms, this vulnerability could be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for home and small office network environments where routers are often left unattended and unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44168 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of affected devices and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious input patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should enforce strong authentication practices for router management interfaces and consider disabling web management access when not actively required. Regular vulnerability assessments and firmware update schedules should be implemented to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, with particular attention to embedded device security practices and input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can lead to significant security compromise in network infrastructure devices.