CVE-2024-28535 in AC18
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2024
Tenda AC18 V15.03.05.05 has a stack overflow vulnerability in the mitInterface parameter of fromAddressNat function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28535 affects the Tenda AC18 router model running firmware version V15.03.05.05 and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the device's web interface handling mechanism. This flaw exists in the mitInterface parameter of the fromAddressNat function, which processes network address translation requests through the router's management interface. The stack overflow occurs when the device fails to properly validate input length before processing the mitInterface parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the router's web server component. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted request containing an excessively long string in the mitInterface parameter, the device's buffer management fails to enforce proper bounds checking. This allows the input data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow, which according to CWE-121 provides an attacker with the capability to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for network administrators and end users who rely on Tenda AC18 devices for home or small office networking. The attack surface is accessible through the web-based management interface, meaning that an unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. Successful exploitation could result in complete device compromise, allowing attackers to gain root access to the router's operating system, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also creates potential for denial of service attacks that could disrupt network connectivity for all devices connected to the compromised router.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, as it targets a network service exposed through the web interface. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious HTTP request with an oversized mitInterface parameter that triggers the buffer overflow condition. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability exists in the device's firmware level, making it particularly concerning as it affects the core networking functionality rather than just a peripheral service. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire networks, especially in environments where multiple devices rely on the same router for internet connectivity.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda's official website, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and maintaining regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, particularly in networking equipment where persistent exposure to external threats is inevitable. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure.