CVE-2024-10194 in WN530H4
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2024
A vulnerability was found in WAVLINK WN530H4, WN530HG4 and WN572HG3 up to 20221028. It has been classified as critical. Affected is the function Goto_chidx of the file login.cgi of the component Front-End Authentication Page. The manipulation of the argument wlanUrl leads to stack-based buffer overflow. The attack can only be initiated within the local network. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
This critical vulnerability exists in WAVLINK wireless routers including models WN530H4, WN530HG4, and WN572HG3 with firmware versions up to 20221028. The flaw resides in the front-end authentication page component, specifically within the Goto_chidx function of the login.cgi file. The vulnerability manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow when processing the wlanUrl argument, representing a fundamental memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The attack vector requires local network access, meaning an attacker must be within the same network segment as the affected device to exploit the vulnerability, which limits but does not eliminate the threat potential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a pathway for local attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on the router's operating system. Stack-based buffer overflows can be exploited to overwrite the instruction pointer, allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected into the buffer. This could enable complete system compromise, including unauthorized access to network resources, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is potentially in use increases the risk profile significantly, as it removes the element of zero-day advantage that would typically protect such vulnerabilities. Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability as actively exploited in the wild, particularly in environments where local network access is possible.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, although the lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts creates additional risk. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit local network access to critical infrastructure devices and establish monitoring for suspicious network activity. The use of network access control lists and disabling unnecessary services on affected devices can help reduce attack surface. From an operational security perspective, regular vulnerability assessments should include checking for outdated firmware versions and ensuring that all network devices are running patched versions. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts through anomalous traffic patterns or unusual authentication requests. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware and having robust vendor communication channels for security disclosures, as the lack of vendor response in this case leaves users without official remediation guidance. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072 Application Deployment Software, where adversaries may use compromised network devices to establish persistent access or conduct further attacks within the network environment.