CVE-2024-5228 in Omada ER605
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2024
TP-Link Omada ER605 Comexe DDNS Response Handling Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of TP-Link Omada ER605 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. However, devices are vulnerable only if configured to use the Comexe DDNS service.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of DNS responses. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-22383.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2024-5228 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in TP-Link Omada ER605 routers that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability specifically targets the Comexe DDNS response handling mechanism within the router's firmware, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by network-adjacent attackers who do not need to authenticate to the device. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during DNS response processing, where user-supplied data is copied into a fixed-length heap buffer without proper length checks, creating a classic buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is categorized as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system takeover capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute code with root privileges, effectively gaining full administrative control over the affected router. This level of access allows for complete network compromise including potential lateral movement to other connected devices, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only network adjacency, meaning attackers within the same broadcast domain can leverage this flaw, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and home networks where physical network access might be difficult to control. The fact that authentication is not required significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barrier to successful exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques that focus on remote code execution and privilege escalation within network infrastructure devices. The attack vector specifically maps to T1219 - Remote Code Execution and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to achieve root-level access. The Comexe DDNS service configuration requirement creates a specific attack scenario where administrators must be aware of their DDNS provider settings to avoid exposure. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly around input validation and memory management in network services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5228 should focus on immediate configuration changes and firmware updates. Organizations should disable the Comexe DDNS service on affected devices if it is not essential for operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, network administrators should ensure that all TP-Link Omada ER605 devices are updated to the latest firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. Network monitoring should include detection of abnormal DNS response patterns and unusual traffic to the affected router's management interfaces. Implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit access to the router's management ports can further reduce exploitation risk. Regular vulnerability assessments and network scanning should be conducted to identify potentially affected devices, and security teams should maintain awareness of the ZDI-CAN-22383 reference for tracking the vulnerability's remediation status and related security advisories.