CVE-2022-45515 in W30E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2022
Tenda W30E V1.0.1.25(633) was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the entries parameter at /goform/addressNat.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45515 affects the Tenda W30E wireless router firmware version V1.0.1.25(633) and represents a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the entries parameter within the /goform/addressNat web interface endpoint. This issue resides in the router's web management interface implementation where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed by the underlying C function responsible for handling network address translation rules. The stack overflow occurs when the device receives a specially crafted payload containing excessive data in the entries parameter, causing the program to write beyond the allocated stack buffer space and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control registers.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability, which is classified under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with CWE-787 "Out-of-bounds Write" when considering the memory corruption aspects. The vulnerability exists because the firmware fails to implement proper input length validation or boundary checking when processing the entries parameter, allowing an attacker to send malicious data that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system crash, as the overflow can overwrite critical program execution flow elements. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to remote attackers who can exploit the vulnerability through the web interface without requiring physical access or prior login credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this stack overflow could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the router's core network functionality by allowing manipulation of address translation rules, which could lead to unauthorized network access or traffic interception. Additionally, the compromised device could become part of a botnet or be used as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network, making the impact particularly severe for home and small office environments where such devices often serve as primary network gateways.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should begin with immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and length checking mechanisms. Network administrators should implement strict access controls limiting web interface access to trusted IP addresses and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required. The implementation of web application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traffic patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. From a defensive perspective, organizations should conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints may lead to insufficient security controls. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 "Exploitation of Remote Services" and T1072 "Software Deployment Tools" as attackers could leverage the compromised router for lateral movement within networks or as a command and control channel for further malicious activities.