CVE-2022-46109 in AC15
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
Tenda AC15 V15.03.06.23 is vulnerable to Buffer Overflow via function formSetClientState.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46109 affects Tenda AC15 wireless router firmware version V15.03.06.23 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through the formSetClientState function. This flaw resides within the web interface handling mechanism of the router's firmware, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted requests that exceed the allocated buffer space. The buffer overflow occurs when the device processes user-supplied data through the web form interface, specifically targeting the client state management functionality that controls device client connections and network configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the firmware's HTTP request processing pipeline. When the formSetClientState function receives input parameters through web forms, it fails to adequately validate the length and content of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution or denial of service attacks, as attackers can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the device processes client state information through the web administration interface, making it accessible to remote attackers without authentication requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass significant network security implications. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow can potentially gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoor access to the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain stable operation, as buffer overflows can cause crashes or unpredictable behavior in the router's web server component. This makes the device susceptible to both active exploitation and passive monitoring, as the compromised router could serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many users operate these devices in residential and small business environments where network monitoring is limited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-46109 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and corresponds to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable formSetClientState function, as well as conducting thorough network audits to identify all instances of affected Tenda AC15 devices within their infrastructure.