CVE-2024-10123 in AC8
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2024
A vulnerability was found in Tenda AC8 16.03.34.06. It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function compare_parentcontrol_time of the file /goform/saveParentControlInfo. The manipulation of the argument time leads to stack-based buffer overflow. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. This is not the same issue like CVE-2023-33671. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10123 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Tenda AC8 router firmware version 16.03.34.06. This issue resides within the compare_parentcontrol_time function located in the /goform/saveParentControlInfo file, making it a significant concern for network security. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation when processing the time argument, which allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted inputs. The attack vector is remote, meaning that malicious actors can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the device, significantly expanding the potential threat surface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where the time parameter input exceeds the allocated buffer size in memory. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services. The vulnerability's critical severity classification stems from its potential to allow arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, potentially leading to full network infiltration or the ability to manipulate parental control settings in ways that could facilitate further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it affects a widely deployed consumer-grade router model that serves as a primary network gateway for many households and small businesses. The fact that a public exploit exists significantly increases the risk profile, as it eliminates the need for sophisticated attack development and makes the vulnerability accessible to threat actors with basic technical knowledge. This particular flaw is distinct from CVE-2023-33671, indicating that the vendor has not addressed this specific issue in their security updates. The lack of vendor response despite early disclosure creates a dangerous situation where users remain exposed to known exploitation methods without remediation options, potentially leaving networks vulnerable to widespread attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-10123 should prioritize immediate action from affected users, including disabling unnecessary remote management features, implementing network segmentation, and applying firmware updates if available. Organizations should consider network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the affected goform endpoint. The vulnerability's design flaw suggests that patching requires firmware-level fixes rather than configuration changes, making vendor cooperation essential for long-term resolution. Security teams should also implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific endpoint and consider temporary network restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface.