CVE-2023-45215 in WBR-6013
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2024
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the boa setRepeaterSsid functionality of Realtek rtl819x Jungle SDK v3.4.11. A specially crafted series of network requests can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can send a sequence of requests to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45215 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Realtek rtl819x Jungle SDK version 3.4.11, specifically affecting the setRepeaterSsid functionality. This flaw resides in the network protocol handling mechanisms of wireless networking devices that utilize Realtek's chipsets, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the software's memory management routines, where user-supplied data is directly copied to a fixed-size stack buffer without proper sanitization. The affected functionality is part of the repeater mode configuration system, which allows devices to extend wireless network coverage by forwarding signals from one access point to another. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious network requests that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow that can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control registers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions and maps to attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution. When an attacker sends a specially crafted sequence of network packets containing oversized SSID data to a vulnerable device, the system processes these requests through the setRepeaterSsid function without adequate buffer size validation. This allows the attacker to overwrite the stack frame, potentially redirecting program execution flow to malicious code injected into the memory space. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no local access or authentication, making it suitable for remote exploitation over the network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread deployment of Realtek chipsets in consumer and enterprise networking equipment, including routers, access points, and wireless bridges that rely on this SDK for their operational functionality.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected network infrastructure. Devices running vulnerable firmware become potential entry points for attackers seeking to establish persistent access within network environments, enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration activities. The vulnerability affects a broad range of networking equipment that utilizes Realtek's rtl819x chipset family, particularly those deployed in enterprise and residential settings where wireless networks serve as primary communication channels. Network administrators face significant challenges in identifying and remediating affected devices, as the vulnerability may not manifest immediately and could remain dormant until exploited by threat actors. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target devices from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network segmentation and perimeter security measures insufficient for protection. Organizations utilizing affected hardware must consider the potential for complete system compromise, including the possibility of persistent backdoors, network monitoring capabilities, and unauthorized access to sensitive network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-45215 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Realtek has released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition in their newer SDK versions. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Implementing network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous traffic patterns and oversized packets may help identify exploitation attempts before they succeed. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary wireless features and services when possible, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Regular vulnerability assessments and network scanning activities should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in the network infrastructure that could be leveraged in conjunction with this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful coordination between network administrators and device vendors to ensure complete patch deployment across all affected systems while maintaining operational continuity. Organizations should also prepare incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including forensic analysis capabilities and recovery protocols for compromised network devices.