CVE-2024-40503 in AX12
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2024
An issue in Tenda AX12 v.16.03.49.18_cn+ allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service via the Routing functionality and ICMP packet handling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40503 affects the Tenda AX12 router firmware version 16.03.49.18_cn+, presenting a significant remote denial of service risk through improper handling of ICMP packets within the routing functionality. This issue demonstrates a critical flaw in the router's packet processing mechanisms that can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's routing component when processing Internet Control Message Protocol packets, which are fundamental to network communication and error reporting. Such flaws in core networking functions represent a substantial risk to network availability and stability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the router's ICMP packet processing subsystem. When the device receives specially crafted ICMP packets through its routing functionality, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the packet contents before processing them. This lack of proper boundary checking and input validation creates a condition where malformed or specially constructed ICMP packets can trigger unexpected behavior in the routing module. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which covers improper validation of input boundaries, and CWE-248, addressing unhandled exceptions in the system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to send malicious ICMP traffic that causes the routing functionality to enter an unstable state or crash entirely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. When exploited successfully, the denial of service condition can render the router inoperable, cutting off network connectivity for all devices relying on that gateway. This represents a critical risk for both residential and enterprise networks where the router serves as the primary gateway to the internet. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers can trigger the condition from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or local network credentials. From an adversary perspective, this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network disruption through denial of service attacks, and T1595.001, involving reconnaissance of network endpoints. The impact is particularly severe as it affects core routing functionality that is essential for network operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40503 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying code vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Monitoring for unusual ICMP traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded networking devices, particularly around input validation and exception handling. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based firewalls that can filter or rate-limit ICMP traffic to reduce the attack surface. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments of network infrastructure and firmware updates should be part of standard operational procedures to prevent similar issues from compromising network availability and security.