CVE-2022-45522 in 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/SafeClientFilter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45522 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 SafeClientFilter functionality. This issue manifests within the web management interface of the device where the page parameter in the /goform/SafeClientFilter endpoint fails to properly validate input length, creating an exploitable buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the firmware's web server implementation, specifically within the handling of HTTP request parameters. When an attacker sends a malformed request containing an excessively long string in the page parameter, the application fails to properly terminate or truncate the input before processing, leading to memory corruption in the stack region.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied data within the router's web interface, which directly violates established security principles and is classified as a CWE-121 stack buffer overflow vulnerability. This type of vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data. The exploitation of this vulnerability can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected device, as the stack overflow enables an attacker to redirect program execution flow. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability exists in a network device that typically operates in a trusted network environment and may be accessible to unauthenticated users. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 exploitation of remote services and T1059 command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute commands on the router.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates a persistent security risk for networks using the affected Tenda W30E routers. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full administrative control over the router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, create backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the management interface, which typically requires no authentication for basic access, making exploitation more straightforward. Network reconnaissance tools or automated scanners could easily identify vulnerable devices on the internet, and the lack of authentication requirements means that even unauthenticated attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability. The compromised device could then be used for various malicious activities including but not limited to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS tunneling, or as a command and control server for botnet operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45522 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices and reduce the attack surface, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing strict access controls to limit who can reach the vulnerable endpoint. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include checks for outdated firmware versions and known vulnerabilities in network devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly in network devices that are often overlooked in security monitoring. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access to network devices.