CVE-2024-0992 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
A vulnerability was found in Tenda i6 1.0.0.9(3857) and classified as critical. This issue affects the function formwrlSSIDset of the file /goform/wifiSSIDset of the component httpd. The manipulation of the argument index leads to stack-based buffer overflow. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-252257 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0992 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Tenda i6 router firmware version 1.0.0.9(3857). This issue resides within the httpd web server component and specifically targets the formwrlSSIDset function located in the /goform/wifiSSIDset file. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing the index argument, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate this parameter to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The stack-based nature of this buffer overflow means that the attack can corrupt return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning an attacker does not require physical access or local network privileges to initiate the exploit. This remote accessibility significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability. The fact that a public exploit has been disclosed and is actively available in the wild means that this vulnerability represents an immediate threat to affected devices, as malicious actors can leverage it without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios. A successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept network traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The compromised router could serve as a launching pad for broader network infiltration attacks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise or residential environments where router security often serves as the first line of defense. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts further compounds the risk, as users have no official patches or mitigations available to protect their systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network isolation of affected devices, as the vulnerability's public exploit availability means that automated attacks are likely occurring in the wild. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block access to the affected web interface components and consider disabling unnecessary services on the router. The most effective long-term solution involves applying firmware updates from Tenda once available, though the vendor's lack of response creates uncertainty about official patch availability. Organizations should also consider network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access the vulnerable /goform/wifiSSIDset endpoint. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security testing and vendor communication protocols, as the delayed response from Tenda demonstrates the risks associated with vendors failing to address critical security issues in a timely manner. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and control communications and T1566 for credential access, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized network access and potential credential theft from the compromised device.