CVE-2024-4120 in W15E
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
A vulnerability was found in Tenda W15E 15.11.0.14. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects the function formIPMacBindModify of the file /goform/modifyIpMacBind. The manipulation of the argument IPMacBindRuleId/IPMacBindRuleIp/IPMacBindRuleMac/IPMacBindRuleRemark leads to stack-based buffer overflow. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-261863. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4120 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Tenda W15E 15.11.0.14 firmware, specifically within the formIPMacBindModify function of the /goform/modifyIpMacBind endpoint. This issue resides in the web interface management functionality of the wireless router, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through remote network access without requiring physical presence or authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing parameters related to IP-MAC binding rules, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected parameters include IPMacBindRuleId, IPMacBindRuleIp, IPMacBindRuleMac, and IPMacBindRuleRemark, all of which can be manipulated to trigger the buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation, meaning an attacker can leverage this vulnerability from outside the local network, potentially targeting devices that are exposed to the internet through port forwarding or other network configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process. This could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the network, install backdoors, modify network configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The fact that this exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used increases the risk significantly, as it removes the element of exploit novelty that might otherwise provide some protection. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or using the compromised device as a command and control node for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's classification as critical by the affected vendor and its inclusion in the VDB-261863 database indicates the severity of the threat it poses to network security. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts suggests that there may be no immediate patch or mitigation available, leaving users vulnerable to exploitation for an extended period.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4120 should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control measures to prevent unauthorized remote access to the affected device. Organizations should implement strict firewall rules to block external access to the router's management interfaces and consider disabling unnecessary services or ports that might provide attack vectors. Network administrators should also monitor for suspicious activity or unauthorized configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves updating the firmware to a version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability, though this requires careful planning and execution to avoid potential device bricking during the update process. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the T1059.007 command and script interpreter and T1068 local privilege escalation tactics. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions, as this represents a broader class of issues that may exist in the same product line or similar network equipment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure devices that are often left unpatched for extended periods due to their critical role in network operations.