CVE-2024-57579 in AC18
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2025
Tenda AC18 V15.03.05.19 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the limitSpeedUp parameter in the formSetClientState function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57579 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Tenda AC18 router firmware version V15.03.05.19. This flaw exists in the web interface handling mechanism where the formSetClientState function processes user-supplied input through the limitSpeedUp parameter. The stack overflow occurs when an attacker provides maliciously crafted input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides in the router's web management interface, making it accessible through standard network protocols and potentially exploitable by remote attackers without authentication requirements. The affected device operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, which classifies stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful manipulation of the limitSpeedUp parameter within the formSetClientState function to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the router processes the malformed input, the excessive data overflows the designated stack buffer, potentially overwriting the return address and other critical stack variables. This memory corruption allows an attacker to redirect execution flow and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1210 technique, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access through remote code execution capabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in the router's web interface, which typically runs with elevated privileges and has direct access to network functionality and device configuration parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-57579 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access to the router's management interface, allowing them to modify network settings, redirect traffic, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects not only the specific Tenda AC18 model but potentially other devices within the same firmware lineage that share similar implementation patterns. Network administrators face significant risks as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network attacks, particularly in environments where these devices function as primary network gateways. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from external networks without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and home network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57579 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the router's web management interface, particularly from untrusted networks. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Device hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, changing default credentials, and implementing strong access controls can reduce the attack surface. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based protections such as deep packet inspection to detect malformed requests targeting the vulnerable formSetClientState function. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions, as the same underlying implementation issues may exist in other router models within the Tenda product line. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security practices and the need for regular security audits of network infrastructure components.