CVE-2024-42974 in FH1206
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2024
Tenda FH1206 v02.03.01.35 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the page parameter in the fromwebExcptypemanFilter function. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via a crafted POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42974 affects the Tenda FH1206 router firmware version v02.03.01.35 and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the web management interface. This flaw exists in the fromwebExcptypemanFilter function where the page parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking or input validation. The stack overflow occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious POST request containing an oversized or malformed page parameter value, which then gets processed by the vulnerable function leading to unpredictable memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the router's web server component. When the page parameter is received through a POST request, the firmware fails to validate the length or content of this parameter before passing it to memory allocation functions. This lack of input sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system crash. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the context of web-based management interfaces where administrative functions are exposed to remote network access.
From an operational perspective, this stack overflow vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and availability. An attacker capable of sending crafted POST requests to the affected router can trigger a denial of service condition that renders the device inoperable, effectively cutting off network connectivity for all connected devices. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the vulnerability could potentially be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, allowing for configuration changes, firmware updates, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the router's web management interface, which is typically accessible from the local network or potentially exposed to external networks if proper firewall rules are not implemented.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that many router administrators leave web management interfaces accessible from untrusted networks, especially in enterprise or home office environments. The exploitation requires only basic network connectivity and the ability to send HTTP POST requests to the router's management interface, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation. The potential for exploitation also maps to ATT&CK technique T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services, as the vulnerability targets a remote management interface that is commonly exposed to network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web management interface, limiting access to trusted internal networks only. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual POST request patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of network device security assessments and regular vulnerability scanning, particularly for network infrastructure components that are frequently exposed to external network traffic. Organizations should consider disabling web management interfaces when not actively required and implement alternative secure management protocols such as SSH or HTTPS with strong authentication mechanisms.