CVE-2024-40412 in AX12 v1.0
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
Tenda AX12 v1.0 v22.03.01.46 contains a stack overflow in the deviceList parameter of the sub_42E410 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40412 affects the Tenda AX12 wireless router model with firmware versions v1.0 and v22.03.01.46, representing a critical stack overflow condition that stems from improper input validation within the deviceList parameter handling of the sub_42E410 function. This flaw resides in the router's web interface processing logic where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being passed to stack-based memory operations. The stack overflow occurs when the deviceList parameter exceeds predetermined buffer limits, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, thereby compromising the device's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario classified under CWE-121, where insufficient bounds checking enables memory corruption during stack-based operations. The affected sub_42E410 function processes network device listings through web interface requests, and when the deviceList parameter contains excessive input data, the program fails to validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This condition creates a predictable memory layout where the overflow can be exploited to redirect program execution to attacker-controlled code locations, potentially enabling remote code execution or denial of service conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security as it allows remote unauthenticated attackers to exploit the stack overflow through web interface requests. The attack surface includes any device accessible via the internet that runs the vulnerable firmware version, making it particularly dangerous for home and small office networks where such devices are commonly deployed without proper network segmentation. The exploitation could result in complete device compromise, enabling attackers to gain administrative access, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, specifically targeting remote exploitation of network devices through web-based interfaces, and represents a common pathway for lateral movement within networks. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit exposure, as well as monitoring for unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of firmware update management and regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the manufacturer has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Network administrators should implement access controls to restrict web interface access to trusted networks only, while deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other network devices within the infrastructure. The remediation process must include thorough testing of firmware updates to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations.