CVE-2022-45979 in AX12
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2022
Tenda AX12 v22.03.01.21_CN was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the ssid parameter at /goform/fast_setting_wifi_set .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45979 affects the Tenda AX12 wireless router firmware version v22.03.01.21_CN, representing a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the ssid parameter within the /goform/fast_setting_wifi_set web endpoint. This issue demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The affected device operates under the assumption that user-provided input from web forms will be properly sanitized and constrained, but fails to implement adequate bounds checking mechanisms for the ssid parameter.
The technical flaw manifests when the router processes the ssid parameter through the fast_setting_wifi_set form handler, which does not properly validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer allocated on the stack. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious payload containing excessive data that exceeds the buffer capacity, causing a stack overflow condition. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation vector through command injection and system compromise techniques, as successful exploitation can lead to complete device control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates a potential attack surface that could be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface. An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary commands on the device, modify network configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the local network. The vulnerability affects users who have not updated their firmware to address this specific issue, making it particularly concerning for home and small office network environments where router security is often overlooked. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through a web browser interface, making it accessible to attackers with basic technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45979 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this stack overflow condition. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing firewall rules to restrict access to router administrative ports, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known router vulnerabilities, as the specific endpoint /goform/fast_setting_wifi_set represents a well-defined attack vector that can be easily automated by threat actors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in embedded systems development, particularly for network infrastructure devices that are frequently targeted by cybercriminals.