CVE-2024-8231 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 08/28/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Tenda O6 1.0.0.7(2054). Affected is the function fromVirtualSet of the file /goform/setPortForward. The manipulation of the argument ip/localPort/publicPort/app leads to stack-based buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. 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 • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-8231 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Tenda O6 1.0.0.7(2054) router firmware, specifically within the fromVirtualSet function of the /goform/setPortForward file. This flaw exists in the network configuration management component that handles port forwarding settings, making it a significant security risk for any device running this firmware version. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation when processing parameters including ip, localPort, publicPort, and app, which are used to configure virtual server port forwarding rules. The buffer overflow occurs when these parameters exceed the allocated stack buffer space, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The attack vector is remote, meaning an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This remote exploit capability significantly amplifies the threat surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for internet-facing devices. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed indicates that threat actors have already developed working payloads, reducing the window of opportunity for organizations to implement defensive measures before exploitation occurs.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8231 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable complete compromise of the affected router. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over the device, potentially using it as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The compromised router could serve as a command and control server, facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks, or provide a persistent backdoor for continued unauthorized access. Network administrators may experience complete loss of network security posture, as the router's firewall and NAT functionality could be bypassed or disabled entirely. Additionally, the vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in residential and small business environments where network security awareness may be limited, increasing the potential for widespread compromise.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda if available, though the vendor's lack of response to early disclosure creates uncertainty about patch availability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to port forwarding configuration interfaces, particularly when these interfaces are exposed to the internet. Organizations should consider disabling unused port forwarding features and implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices, specifically input validation and bounds checking, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's software development security practices. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure, including firmware version checks and vulnerability scanning, should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices that may be vulnerable to similar buffer overflow attacks.