CVE-2024-6963 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Tenda O3 1.0.0.10. This issue affects the function formexeCommand. The manipulation of the argument cmdinput leads to stack-based buffer overflow. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-272117 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6963 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Tenda O3 1.0.0.10 router firmware, specifically within the formexeCommand function. This issue arises from improper input validation when processing the cmdinput argument, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted input can exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its remote exploitability and the potential for arbitrary code execution, making it a significant threat to network security. The disclosure of this vulnerability through VDB-272117 indicates that attackers have already developed working exploits, as evidenced by the public availability of the exploit code. The affected device operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, allowing threat actors to leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected router. The stack-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, potentially enabling privilege escalation or complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the vulnerable command execution function to inject and execute malicious commands. The remote nature of the attack means that network administrators cannot rely on local network segmentation as a protective measure, as the vulnerability can be exploited from any location with network connectivity to the affected device. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts further compounds the risk, leaving users without official patches or mitigation guidance during the critical window when exploitation is most likely to occur.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6963 must be implemented immediately given the public availability of exploit code and the critical severity classification. Network administrators should prioritize disabling remote management interfaces on affected devices when possible, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to the device's administrative ports, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns. The recommended approach involves applying firmware updates from Tenda as soon as they become available, though the vendor's lack of response creates urgency for alternative mitigation measures. Device hardening practices should include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitoring network traffic for anomalous patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation strategies to limit the potential blast radius if exploitation occurs, ensuring that even if one device is compromised, the attacker cannot easily move laterally through the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, necessitating proactive network scanning and patch management procedures to identify and remediate affected systems before attackers can leverage the flaw for malicious purposes.