CVE-2022-45516 in Tenda W30E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2022
Tenda W30E V1.0.1.25(633) was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the page parameter at /goform/NatStaticSetting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45516 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 web interface. This issue resides within the /goform/NatStaticSetting endpoint, which processes incoming HTTP requests containing a page parameter that ultimately leads to improper input validation and memory corruption. The stack overflow vulnerability arises when an attacker submits a specially crafted payload through the page parameter, causing the application to write beyond the bounds of allocated stack memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and input sanitization within the firmware's web application layer. When the router processes the page parameter through the NAT static settings form handler, it fails to properly validate the length or content of user-supplied data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, including return addresses and function pointers, which can be manipulated to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the router's administrative interface, making it accessible to remote attackers who can exploit it without requiring physical access or authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security and system stability. Remote attackers can leverage this stack overflow to execute arbitrary code on the affected device, potentially gaining full administrative control over the router. The implications extend beyond simple device compromise, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, enabling attackers to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core networking functionality of the device, potentially disrupting network services and creating persistent security weaknesses that could be exploited by various threat actors.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This classification places the vulnerability within the broader category of memory safety issues that frequently appear in embedded systems and firmware environments. The attack surface is particularly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases, where adversaries can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent presence within networks. Network defenders should consider this vulnerability as part of a larger attack chain that may involve reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45516 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 access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security in IoT and networking devices, emphasizing that embedded systems require robust input validation and memory safety mechanisms to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify exploitation attempts targeting known router vulnerabilities.