CVE-2022-45504 in W6-S
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2022
An issue in the component tpi_systool_handle(0) (/goform/SysToolRestoreSet) of Tenda W6-S v1.0.0.4(510) allows unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily reboot the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45504 affects the Tenda W6-S wireless router running firmware version 1.0.0.4(510) and specifically targets the tpi_systool_handle(0) function within the /goform/SysToolRestoreSet endpoint. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the device's integrity and availability by allowing unauthorized individuals to trigger arbitrary device reboots without requiring authentication credentials. The affected component operates within the web-based management interface of the router, making it accessible through standard HTTP requests that can be executed from any network location with access to the device's IP address. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by providing a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt network services and potentially exploit the device during reboot cycles when system resources are temporarily unavailable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the web application framework of the router's firmware. The tpi_systool_handle(0) function appears to process system tool requests without proper verification of the requesting entity's authorization status, allowing any remote attacker to submit malicious payloads through the SysToolRestoreSet endpoint. This flaw falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, specifically targeting the lack of authentication requirements for critical system functions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise as attackers can simply craft HTTP requests targeting the specific endpoint, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. The function's behavior suggests a design flaw where system-level operations are exposed through user-facing interfaces without appropriate access controls, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and service disruption.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for network availability and business continuity. Unauthorized device reboots can occur at any time without detection, potentially disrupting network services for extended periods depending on the frequency of attacks. Network administrators may experience intermittent connectivity issues, loss of network management capabilities, and potential data transmission failures during reboot cycles. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location, making it particularly dangerous for devices connected to public networks or those with exposed management interfaces. This type of attack can be easily automated, allowing for denial-of-service conditions that may persist until the device is manually rebooted or the firmware is updated to address the flaw. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users leave their router management interfaces accessible from external networks without proper firewall rules or access control lists.
The security implications extend beyond simple availability concerns to encompass potential compromise of the entire network infrastructure. During device reboots, the router's memory contents are temporarily cleared, which could potentially expose sensitive information or create windows for additional attacks. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability as part of broader exploitation campaigns, using the reboot capability to disrupt network monitoring systems or to create timing windows for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network disruption and availability attacks, specifically targeting the disruption of network services through device manipulation. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more comprehensive attacks, particularly in environments where network devices are not properly segmented or monitored. The impact is amplified when considering that many small and medium enterprises rely on consumer-grade networking equipment that may not receive timely security updates or patches, creating persistent exposure windows for such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45504 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access control implementation to prevent unauthorized access to the router management interfaces. Network administrators must ensure that management ports are not exposed to external networks and that proper firewall rules are implemented to restrict access to trusted IP addresses only. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the vulnerable endpoint through firewall rules or router configuration changes that prevent access to the /goform/SysToolRestoreSet path. Long-term remediation requires firmware updates from Tenda that implement proper authentication checks for system-level functions and address the underlying access control flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual reboot patterns or unauthorized access attempts to network devices. Regular security audits of network infrastructure should include verification of access controls and authentication mechanisms on all network devices, particularly those running outdated firmware versions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust network security practices to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other network components.