CVE-2022-44931 in A18
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2022
Tenda A18 v15.13.07.09 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the security_5g parameter at /goform/WifiBasicSet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-44931 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda A18 wireless router firmware version v15.13.07.09. This issue resides in the web interface handling mechanism where the security_5g parameter is processed through the /goform/WifiBasicSet endpoint. The stack overflow occurs when the device fails to properly validate or sanitize input data submitted through this specific parameter, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise when exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the router's web form processing logic. When the security_5g parameter is submitted through the /goform/WifiBasicSet endpoint, the firmware does not adequately check the length or content of the input before processing it. This lack of proper bounds checking allows an attacker to send carefully crafted payload data that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size, resulting in memory corruption. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly concerning for widespread exploitation across networked devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to both individual users and enterprise networks. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise affected devices from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the router, potentially leading to complete network takeover, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core wireless configuration functionality of the device, which could result in denial of service conditions or unauthorized modification of wireless security settings. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access points for further network infiltration.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44931 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns originating from affected devices. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required, implementing strict firewall rules to limit access to router management ports, and conducting regular vulnerability scanning of networked devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for embedded systems handling user-provided data through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components. The issue demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can result in critical security breaches, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle of network devices.