CVE-2024-4252 in i22
Summary
by MITRE • 04/27/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Tenda i22 1.0.0.3(4687). This affects the function formSetUrlFilterRule. The manipulation of the argument groupIndex leads to stack-based buffer overflow. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-262143. 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 • 01/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4252 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Tenda i22 routers running firmware version 1.0.0.3(4687). This vulnerability specifically affects the formSetUrlFilterRule function, which handles URL filtering rules within the device's web interface. The flaw occurs when processing the groupIndex argument, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to provide maliciously crafted data that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack. Such buffer overflow conditions typically arise when developers fail to properly bounds-check user-supplied inputs before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear path to remote code execution through network-based attacks, as the affected function is accessible via the web interface without requiring physical access to the device. This remote attack vector significantly amplifies the threat surface, allowing adversaries to target vulnerable devices from anywhere on the internet. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, enabling them to redirect program execution flow and potentially gain full control over the affected device. The vulnerability's classification as critical aligns with common industry standards such as CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and reflects the severe impact potential of such flaws in network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as compromised routers can serve as persistent footholds for broader network infiltration activities. Attackers could leverage these devices to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic to malicious servers, or use the compromised devices as launching points for attacks against other systems within the local network. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts further compounds the risk, as organizations cannot rely on official patches or updates to address the vulnerability, leaving affected deployments exposed for extended periods. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, as compromised routers could be used to establish persistent command and control channels or to manipulate network traffic.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices, while also considering temporary network isolation until official patches are available. Network monitoring should focus on detecting unusual traffic patterns or attempts to access the web management interface with malformed parameters. The vulnerability underscores the importance of firmware security updates and vendor communication, as the lack of response from Tenda represents a significant gap in the security ecosystem. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting known buffer overflow patterns, and maintain awareness of potential exploitation attempts in dark web forums where such vulnerabilities are often discussed before public disclosure.