CVE-2024-4165 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 04/25/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Tenda G3 15.11.0.17(9502). Affected is the function modifyDhcpRule of the file /goform/modifyDhcpRule. The manipulation of the argument bindDhcpIndex leads to stack-based buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-261984. 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 • 05/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4165 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Tenda G3 router firmware version 15.11.0.17(9502). This vulnerability exists within the modifyDhcpRule function of the /goform/modifyDhcpRule file, which is part of the web-based administrative interface. The specific flaw occurs when processing the bindDhcpIndex argument, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its remote exploitability and the potential for full system compromise without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector operates through the web interface, making it accessible to remote attackers who can craft malicious requests to the vulnerable endpoint. The buffer overflow occurs in the bindDhcpIndex parameter processing, where an attacker can provide input exceeding the allocated buffer space, causing stack corruption that may result in code execution. This type of vulnerability typically allows attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data, potentially enabling privilege escalation or complete system takeover.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the network infrastructure. Once exploited, the compromised router can serve as a foothold for lateral movement within the network, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or redirection of network traffic. The vulnerability's disclosure and public availability means that threat actors can readily develop and deploy exploits without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts further compounds the risk, leaving users without official patches or mitigation guidance during the critical period when the vulnerability is publicly known.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4165 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access control measures to limit potential exploitation. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on requests to the /goform/modifyDhcpRule endpoint. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to firmware versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability, though vendors should be contacted to verify patch availability and compatibility. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces or implementing strict firewall rules that restrict access to administrative ports and services. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure input validation practices and proper bounds checking in embedded web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts.