CVE-2024-44859 in FH1201
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2024
Tenda FH1201 v1.2.0.14 has a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in `formWrlExtraGet`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The Tenda FH1201 v1.2.0.14 router firmware contains a critical stack buffer overflow vulnerability within the `formWrlExtraGet` function, representing a significant security risk for network infrastructure devices. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the wireless configuration processing routines, where user-supplied data is directly copied into a fixed-size stack buffer without adequate bounds checking. The flaw manifests when the router processes specific wireless configuration parameters, particularly those related to extended wireless settings, allowing an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such buffer overflow conditions create opportunities for arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and system compromise, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where these devices serve as critical infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. The `formWrlExtraGet` function likely receives wireless configuration parameters through web interface requests or API calls, processing them without sufficient validation of input length or content. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing stack corruption that may overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that it occurs within a network-facing service, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the device. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may leverage the compromised device to execute malicious commands or establish persistent access through command injection techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration and persistent threats within enterprise environments. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow could allow attackers to gain root access to the router's operating system, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoors for continued access. The affected device, being a wireless router, serves as a gateway for network traffic and may control access to sensitive internal systems, making its compromise particularly damaging. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying vulnerable devices within their infrastructure, as the vulnerability affects a specific firmware version that may be deployed across multiple devices from the same manufacturer. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often leads to the establishment of persistent command and control channels, enabling attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised network segment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating the firmware to a patched version that implements proper input validation and bounds checking within the `formWrlExtraGet` function. Device manufacturers should ensure that all affected firmware versions receive timely security patches, while network administrators must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all devices running vulnerable firmware versions. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation, implementing strict access controls for router management interfaces, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security testing of embedded systems, particularly those handling user input in network infrastructure devices. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls that restrict administrative access to these devices, while also maintaining regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues across their entire network infrastructure.