The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42983 affects the Tenda FH1206 router running firmware version v02.03.01.35. It is a classic stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) triggered by the pptpPPW parameter within the fromAdvSetWan function. This function likely handles WAN configuration settings, and improper input validation or bounds checking on the pptpPPW parameter allows an attacker to overflow the stack. By crafting a malicious POST request targeting this parameter, an attacker can cause the router's process to crash, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS). The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits have been reported, the medium CVSS score (6.5) reflects the ease of exploitation and the impact on availability. The flaw does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, as it does not allow code execution or data leakage. However, the DoS can disrupt network connectivity for users relying on the affected router. The lack of available patches at the time of publication means users must rely on other mitigations until an official fix is released.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-42983 is the disruption of network services due to router crashes caused by the stack overflow. Organizations and individuals using the Tenda FH1206 router with the vulnerable firmware may experience intermittent or prolonged loss of internet connectivity, affecting business operations, communications, and access to cloud services. This can be particularly damaging for small businesses or home offices that rely on this device as their primary network gateway. Although the vulnerability does not allow data theft or system compromise, the availability loss can lead to productivity degradation and potential financial losses. Additionally, repeated exploitation attempts could increase operational overhead for IT teams tasked with restoring service. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the vulnerability remains a significant risk if weaponized by attackers.

To mitigate CVE-2024-42983, affected users should first verify if their Tenda FH1206 router is running firmware version v02.03.01.35 or similar vulnerable versions. Since no official patches are currently available, users should consider the following specific actions: 1) Restrict remote management access to the router, especially blocking WAN-side access to the web interface or configuration endpoints to prevent external exploitation. 2) Implement network-level protections such as firewall rules or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and block suspicious POST requests targeting the pptpPPW parameter or unusual WAN configuration attempts. 3) Monitor router logs and network traffic for signs of repeated crashes or malformed POST requests indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) If feasible, replace the vulnerable router with a model from a vendor with timely security updates or downgrade to a previous firmware version known to be unaffected. 5) Stay informed by regularly checking Tenda’s official channels for firmware updates or security advisories addressing this vulnerability. 6) Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems from the affected router to minimize impact if a DoS occurs.