CVE-2024-40416 in AX1806
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
A vulnerability in /goform/SetVirtualServerCfg in the sub_6320C function in Tenda AX1806 1.0.0.1 firmware leads to stack-based buffer overflow.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40416 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition within the Tenda AX1806 router firmware version 1.0.0.1. This flaw manifests specifically within the /goform/SetVirtualServerCfg endpoint, which processes virtual server configuration requests through the sub_6320C function. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly constrain user-supplied data before writing it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This fundamental weakness creates an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability exists in the web interface handling logic, making it accessible through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from the function's failure to validate the length of input parameters provided in the SetVirtualServerCfg request. When processing configuration data through the sub_6320C function, the firmware does not properly check the size of incoming data before copying it into a stack-allocated buffer. This classic programming error allows attackers to exceed the buffer boundaries and overwrite critical stack elements including return addresses, saved registers, and local variables. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this function handles configuration parameters that are typically accessible through the device's web management interface, making exploitation feasible through remote network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the affected router, allowing them to modify network configurations, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors. The router's role as a central networking device makes this particularly dangerous, as compromise could lead to network-wide surveillance, traffic interception, or redirection attacks. The vulnerability affects the Tenda AX1806 model running firmware version 1.0.0.1, which represents a significant portion of the affected user base. This issue maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. The remote accessibility of this vulnerability means that attackers can target multiple devices simultaneously, potentially creating large-scale network compromise scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40416 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict access controls to limit exposure by restricting access to the affected web interface from trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include deploying network segmentation strategies to isolate critical infrastructure from potentially compromised devices, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all router models within the network. Security monitoring should specifically target unusual traffic patterns or malformed requests to the /goform/SetVirtualServerCfg endpoint. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to pivot from the compromised router to other network segments. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations, and that all network services remain operational following the update process.