CVE-2022-45523 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/L7Im.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45523 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda W30E wireless router firmware version 1.0.1.25(633). This issue manifests through the page parameter in the /goform/L7Im endpoint, which serves as a gateway for administrative functions within the device's web interface. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters, specifically the page parameter, allowing an attacker to manipulate the stack memory during function execution. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in network devices as they can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the firmware's web server component. When processing the page parameter through the /goform/L7Im endpoint, the device does not adequately check the length or content of user-supplied data before passing it to stack-based functions. This lack of proper bounds checking creates an opportunity for attackers to overflow the stack buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and network appliances where attackers can leverage the web interface to deliver malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. Once exploited, an attacker could modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious servers, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability exists in the web interface, meaning that exploitation can occur through standard web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or network access. This makes the vulnerability highly attractive to threat actors and increases the potential for widespread exploitation across networks that have not applied security patches. The presence of this vulnerability in a consumer-grade router also means that many users may be unknowingly exposing their networks to potential compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45523 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the manufacturer has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that compromised routers cannot serve as entry points for broader network attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire network ecosystem.