CVE-2022-43029 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the Tenda TX3 router firmware version US_TX3V1.0br_V16.03.13.11_multi_TDE01. The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow triggered via the 'time' parameter in the /goform/SetSysTimeCfg endpoint. This endpoint is likely part of the router's web management interface, which processes system time configuration requests. The stack overflow (CWE-787) occurs when the input to the 'time' parameter exceeds the buffer size allocated on the stack, leading to memory corruption. Given the CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 (critical), the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any authentication (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), meaning an attacker can trigger it without credentials or user interaction. Successful exploitation could allow arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the router's firmware process, potentially leading to full compromise of the device. This includes the ability to alter router configurations, intercept or redirect network traffic, launch further attacks on internal networks, or create persistent backdoors. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no official patches have been linked, indicating that affected users may remain vulnerable if no firmware updates are applied. The vulnerability's presence in a widely deployed consumer router model raises concerns about the security of home and small office networks using this device. The lack of vendor or product details beyond the firmware version limits the scope of identification but does not diminish the severity of the flaw itself.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-43029 can be significant, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and remote workers relying on Tenda TX3 routers for internet connectivity. Compromise of these routers can lead to interception of sensitive data, including corporate credentials and confidential communications, through man-in-the-middle attacks. Attackers could also use compromised routers as footholds to pivot into corporate networks, bypassing perimeter defenses. This is particularly critical for organizations with less mature network segmentation or those that allow remote access via VPNs terminating on these devices. Additionally, the disruption or manipulation of network traffic could impact availability of services, causing operational downtime. Given the critical severity and ease of exploitation, attackers could automate scanning and exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable routers across Europe, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for mitigation, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high. The threat also extends to home users who may be part of supply chains or have access to corporate resources, thereby indirectly affecting organizational security posture.

1. Immediate identification of Tenda TX3 routers within organizational and home networks is critical. Network asset inventories should be updated to include router models and firmware versions. 2. Since no official patches are currently linked, organizations should monitor Tenda's official channels for firmware updates addressing CVE-2022-43029 and apply them promptly once available. 3. As a temporary mitigation, restrict access to the router's management interface by limiting it to trusted internal IP addresses and disabling remote management features if enabled. 4. Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical infrastructure and sensitive data flows. 5. Employ network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or anomaly detection that can identify exploitation attempts targeting the /goform/SetSysTimeCfg endpoint or unusual traffic patterns to the router's web interface. 6. Educate users about the risks of using outdated router firmware and encourage regular updates. 7. For organizations with remote workers, provide secure VPN solutions that do not rely solely on consumer-grade routers for security. 8. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can detect lateral movement or unusual network activity originating from compromised routers. 9. Regularly audit network traffic for signs of man-in-the-middle attacks or DNS hijacking that could stem from router compromise.