CVE-2024-5243 in Omada ER605
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2024
TP-Link Omada ER605 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 names. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-22523.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The TP-Link Omada ER605 router presents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability designated as CVE-2024-5243 that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability specifically affects devices configured to utilize the Comexe DDNS service, creating a narrow but significant attack surface for network-adjacent adversaries. The flaw manifests in the router's insufficient input validation mechanisms when processing DNS names, representing a classic buffer overflow condition that has been classified under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and potentially CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write." The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to establish persistent access and potentially expand their network foothold.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during the handling of user-supplied DNS name data within the Comexe DDNS service implementation. When the router processes incoming DNS name requests, it fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating a predictable overflow condition. This buffer overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with root privileges. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication requirements significantly amplifies its threat level, as attackers need only be within network adjacency range to potentially compromise affected devices. The Comexe DDNS service configuration requirement creates a specific attack vector that security professionals must monitor for in network environments where these routers are deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5243 extends beyond immediate device compromise to encompass potential network-wide security degradation and persistent threat capabilities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete administrative control over affected routers, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or establish backdoor access points for continued network infiltration. The root privilege execution context means that attackers can manipulate core router functions including firewall rules, routing tables, and DNS resolution services. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise and small business networks where TP-Link ER605 devices serve as critical network infrastructure components, potentially enabling attackers to pivot to internal network segments or launch further attacks against connected systems. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-22523 indicates its recognition by the cybersecurity community and the urgency for remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5243 should prioritize immediate configuration changes to disable the Comexe DDNS service on affected devices, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit adjacent access to these devices and deploy intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious DNS name requests. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can help restrict communication with the Comexe DDNS service endpoints. Device firmware updates from TP-Link should be applied immediately upon availability, as these patches typically address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, security monitoring should include regular audits of router configurations to ensure that DDNS services remain disabled or properly secured. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK tactic TA0006 for Credential Access and TA0008 for Lateral Movement, making comprehensive network monitoring essential for early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.