CVE-2024-39294 in AC3000
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the adm.cgi set_wzdgw4G() functionality of Wavlink AC3000 M33A8.V5030.210505. A specially crafted HTTP request can lead to stack-based buffer overflow. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39294 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the administrative web interface of Wavlink AC3000 M33A8.V5030.210505 routers. This flaw resides in the adm.cgi component's set_wzdgw4G() function, which processes incoming HTTP requests through the web management interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the router's administrative functionality, where legitimate users must authenticate before exploiting the buffer overflow condition. The affected firmware version demonstrates a classic programming error where input validation is insufficient, allowing attackers to craft malicious HTTP requests that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. When an authenticated user sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing oversized data to the set_wzdgw4G() function, the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. The attack requires authentication, which means an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to the router's administrative interface, but once achieved, the buffer overflow can be triggered through a single HTTP request.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1210, this vulnerability could enable privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution on the affected device. The stack-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially allowing them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete compromise of the router's administrative interface, enabling persistent access to the network. The vulnerability affects not just the router's functionality but also poses risks to the entire network infrastructure, as compromised routers often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-39294 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Wavlink, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying programming error. Network administrators should implement strict access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have administrative access to router interfaces and that authentication mechanisms remain robust. The implementation of network segmentation and monitoring of administrative traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed HTTP requests targeting known vulnerable CGI functions. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 and its potential for code execution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution opportunities. Regular security audits of web applications and network devices should include checks for similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other firmware components. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous administrative access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.