CVE-2022-45524 is a high-severity stack overflow vulnerability identified in the Tenda W30E router firmware version 1.0.1.25(633). The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'opttype' parameter in the /goform/IPSECsave endpoint. Specifically, the stack overflow (CWE-787) occurs when the parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite parts of the stack memory. This flaw can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The vulnerability impacts the availability of the device, potentially causing crashes or reboots, but does not directly affect confidentiality or integrity according to the CVSS metrics. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the nature of the vulnerability make it a significant risk for affected devices. The Tenda W30E is a consumer-grade wireless router, and the vulnerable endpoint relates to IPSEC configuration, which is often used for VPN connections. Exploiting this vulnerability could disrupt network connectivity or be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks within a network segment. No official patches or vendor advisories are currently available, increasing the urgency for mitigation through alternative means such as network segmentation or disabling vulnerable services if possible.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-45524 primarily concerns network availability and operational continuity. Organizations relying on Tenda W30E routers, especially in small office or home office (SOHO) environments, may experience denial of service conditions if the vulnerability is exploited, leading to device crashes or reboots. This can disrupt VPN connections and remote access capabilities, which are critical for secure communications. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the resulting downtime can affect business operations and productivity. Additionally, compromised routers could be used as pivot points for lateral movement or launching further attacks within the network. Given the lack of authentication and user interaction requirements, attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely, increasing the risk of widespread impact if devices are exposed to the internet or untrusted networks. The absence of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls to mitigate risk. The impact is more pronounced for organizations with limited IT resources or those using Tenda devices in critical network roles without adequate monitoring or segmentation.

1. Immediately isolate Tenda W30E devices from untrusted networks, especially the internet, to reduce exposure to remote exploitation. 2. Disable or restrict access to the /goform/IPSECsave endpoint if possible, or disable IPSEC VPN functionality on the affected devices if not in use. 3. Implement strict network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised router, ensuring that critical systems are not directly reachable through the vulnerable device. 4. Monitor network traffic for unusual activity targeting the /goform/IPSECsave endpoint or signs of device instability such as frequent reboots or crashes. 5. Replace vulnerable Tenda W30E routers with devices from vendors that provide timely security updates and have a stronger security posture. 6. If replacement is not immediately feasible, deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with custom signatures to detect attempts to exploit the stack overflow. 7. Maintain up-to-date asset inventories to identify all instances of Tenda W30E devices within the organization. 8. Engage with Tenda support channels to request official patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. 9. Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with exposed network devices and the importance of applying security best practices.