CVE-2024-3079 in ZenWiFi XT8
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
Certain models of ASUS routers have buffer overflow vulnerabilities, allowing remote attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary commands on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3079 affects specific ASUS router models and represents a critical buffer overflow flaw that enables remote command execution when an attacker possesses administrative credentials. This vulnerability resides within the router's firmware implementation and specifically targets the handling of input data in administrative interfaces. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker to manipulate memory structures through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative privileges to exploit, which may be obtained through other means such as default credential exploitation or credential theft from compromised networks. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of user-supplied input within the router's web administration interface, where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory to be overwritten. The attack vector requires an authenticated session with administrative rights, making it less accessible than purely remote vulnerabilities but still highly dangerous within compromised networks. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. This vulnerability affects multiple ASUS router models including but not limited to those in the RT-AC series and other enterprise-grade devices that utilize the affected firmware versions. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can potentially allow attackers to modify system configurations, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the router's administrative subsystem, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for broader network compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-3079 is significant for organizations relying on ASUS routers for network infrastructure. Once exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected router, potentially allowing them to redirect network traffic, monitor communications, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other network segments. The presence of administrative privileges required for exploitation means that this vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where default credentials are not changed or where credential management practices are inadequate. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts, as the malicious activity can be disguised as legitimate administrative operations. The vulnerability also impacts the router's ability to maintain network security posture, as attackers can modify firewall rules, disable security features, or configure the device to act as a relay for malicious activities. Organizations may experience service disruption if attackers choose to disable network services or manipulate routing configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3079 should focus on immediate firmware updates from ASUS to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls and authentication measures, including the enforcement of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for administrative interfaces. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify any unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes that may indicate exploitation. The implementation of network monitoring tools can help detect anomalous behavior patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts, particularly around administrative access times and unusual traffic patterns. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary administrative services, implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromise, and maintaining detailed logs of administrative activities for forensic analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify known exploit patterns and alert administrators to potential compromise attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust network security practices to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network devices and ensure comprehensive security coverage. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in network infrastructure devices and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution within compromised systems.