CVE-2022-45995 in AX12
Summary
by MITRE • 01/05/2023
There is an unauthorized buffer overflow vulnerability in Tenda AX12 v22.03.01.21 _ cn. This vulnerability can cause the web service not to restart or even execute arbitrary code. It is a different vulnerability from CVE-2022-2414.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45995 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting the Tenda AX12 wireless router firmware version 22.03.01.21 _ cn. This issue resides within the web service component of the device, specifically manifesting as an unauthorized buffer overflow that can potentially lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the router's web interface handling mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory structures beyond their allocated bounds. The affected firmware version demonstrates a clear failure in implementing proper bounds checking and memory allocation controls, which are fundamental security measures required in embedded network devices.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability occurs when the web service processes incoming requests that contain maliciously crafted data inputs. Attackers can leverage this weakness by sending specifically formatted payloads through the web interface, which when processed by the vulnerable firmware, causes the buffer to overflow and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable behavior including service disruption, system crashes, or more critically, the execution of arbitrary code within the router's memory space. The vulnerability's classification as unauthorized indicates that exploitation does not require elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. This characteristic aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant deviation from the previously identified CVE-2022-2414, indicating a distinct attack surface within the same product line.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. When the web service fails to restart properly due to buffer overflow conditions, it creates denial-of-service scenarios that can disrupt network connectivity for all devices connected to the affected router. More critically, successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially allowing them to gain complete administrative control over the device. This level of compromise provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the network, enabling them to monitor traffic, redirect requests, or use the compromised router as a launch point for attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade wireless router creates additional risks as these devices are often deployed in home and office environments where they may not be regularly updated or monitored for security issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45995 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves firmware updates from Tenda to patch the buffer overflow condition, which should include proper input validation and memory boundary checks within the web service implementation. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures such as disabling unnecessary web services, restricting remote access to the router's administrative interface, and employing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual traffic patterns and service disruptions that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics also suggest implementing the principle of least privilege for web service operations, ensuring that only necessary functionality is exposed and that all inputs are rigorously validated. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious payload patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, as outlined in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control operations and privilege escalation.