CVE-2024-50852 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Tenda G3 v3.0 v15.11.0.20 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the formSetUSBPartitionUmount function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50852 affects the Tenda G3 router firmware version 3.0 v15.11.0.20, representing a critical command injection flaw that resides within the formSetUSBPartitionUmount function. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device by manipulating input parameters passed to the USB partition unmounting functionality. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web interface backend, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. The affected device operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a command injection pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, where attacker-controlled input is concatenated with system commands without proper sanitization. The formSetUSBPartitionUmount function likely processes user input related to USB partition identifiers or mount points, which are then passed directly to shell execution functions within the router's firmware. This flaw enables an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with administrative rights on the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists within the web administration interface, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the device. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this functionality is exposed through standard HTTP requests, allowing for exploitation via web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50852 extends beyond simple command execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. This compromise allows for persistent backdoor access, network traffic interception, DNS hijacking, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability could be leveraged to establish command and control channels, modify router configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive network information. Given that many home and small office routers operate with default credentials and lack proper security hardening, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on such devices for network infrastructure. The impact is further amplified when considering that the Tenda G3 router may be used in environments where it controls critical network access points or serves as a gateway for sensitive communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50852 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying command injection vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web management interface from untrusted networks, and consider disabling unnecessary services such as USB partition management if not required. The principle of least privilege should be applied by configuring router access controls to limit administrative capabilities to trusted users only. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual command execution patterns or unexpected network connections. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish robust incident response procedures for addressing router compromise scenarios. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include vulnerability scanning for similar command injection flaws in other network devices, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in embedded systems and network appliances. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures against command injection attacks in network infrastructure devices.