CVE-2024-42547 in A3100R
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2024
TOTOLINK A3100R V4.1.2cu.5050_B20200504 has a buffer overflow vulnerability in the http_host parameter in the loginauth function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42547 affects the TOTOLINK A3100R router model running firmware version V4.1.2cu.5050_B20200504 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the web interface authentication mechanism. This issue manifests specifically in the http_host parameter processing within the loginauth function, creating a potential entry point for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the http_host parameter, which is typically used by web servers to determine the host name portion of incoming requests. When an attacker crafts a maliciously formatted http_host parameter exceeding the allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution flow or allowing code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a specially crafted HTTP request containing an oversized http_host parameter to the router's web administration interface. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting weaknesses in remote services. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the router, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, redirect network traffic, modify router configurations, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that no physical access or local network presence is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for unpatched devices connected to the internet.
The security implications of CVE-2024-42547 are significant given that routers serve as primary network gateways and often contain sensitive configuration data and network access credentials. The buffer overflow in the loginauth function specifically targets the authentication mechanism, suggesting that successful exploitation could bypass normal authentication procedures entirely. This vulnerability represents a critical threat to network security infrastructure, as it allows attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to the router's management interface, where they could modify firewall rules, change administrator passwords, configure port forwarding rules, or implement malicious DNS settings. The affected firmware version indicates this is likely an older model that may not have received regular security updates, highlighting the importance of firmware maintenance and vendor security support. Organizations should immediately assess their network exposure to this vulnerability and implement network segmentation measures to limit potential attack vectors while awaiting official patches from TOTOLINK. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing need for robust input validation practices in embedded web services and underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices in network infrastructure devices.