CVE-2024-30638 in F1202
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
Tenda F1202 v1.2.0.20(408) has a stack overflow vulnerability in the entrys parameter from fromAddressNat function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-30638 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda F1202 v1.2.0.20(408) router firmware. This issue manifests in the fromAddressNat function where the entrys parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking or input validation. The affected device operates under a typical network infrastructure role as a wireless router and firewall, making it a prime target for exploitation within network environments where such devices serve as primary gateways. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted input is passed to the entrys parameter, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crash. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflows where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface or even achieve complete system compromise, depending on the execution environment and available privileges. The NAT (Network Address Translation) functionality is fundamental to router operations, making this particular attack vector particularly dangerous as it targets core networking services that are essential for normal device operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the fromAddressNat function where the system fails to validate the length or content of the entrys parameter before processing. When an attacker supplies input exceeding the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory regions, potentially corrupting return addresses or other critical execution data. This type of memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to redirect program execution flow, effectively allowing them to inject and execute malicious code within the router's memory space. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries may attempt to execute commands through compromised network devices. The affected firmware version suggests this vulnerability may have existed across multiple releases, indicating a persistent flaw in the development process rather than a one-time coding error. The router's network interface and administrative services are particularly vulnerable since they typically receive untrusted input from external sources, making the device susceptible to remote exploitation without requiring physical access or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-30638 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete network compromise and potential data exfiltration. Once exploited, the vulnerability could allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure, enabling them to monitor traffic, redirect connections, or launch further attacks against internal network resources. The compromised router could serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security controls and access sensitive systems. Additionally, the device could be used to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or other malicious activities that leverage the router's privileged position within the network topology. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade router like the Tenda F1202 means that many organizations may be unknowingly exposing their networks to these risks, particularly in environments where such devices are deployed without proper security hardening or network segmentation. The potential for remote code execution through this vulnerability places it within the high-risk category for network infrastructure devices, as it could enable attackers to completely subvert the device's intended security functions and transform it into an asset for ongoing network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-30638 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, if available, as this represents the most direct solution to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly by isolating network devices that are most vulnerable to such attacks. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, including malformed packets targeting the affected NAT functionality. The implementation of web application firewalls and network access controls can help prevent unauthorized access to router administrative interfaces, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary services and features on affected devices, particularly those that might expose the vulnerable NAT functionality to external networks. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues across their network infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates how embedded systems in networking equipment often contain similar flaws. The remediation process should include thorough testing of firmware updates to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues or disrupt existing network operations, while also verifying that the specific buffer overflow condition has been properly addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms.