CVE-2024-44556 is a stack overflow vulnerability identified in the Tenda AX1806 router firmware version 1.0.0.1. The flaw exists in the setIptvInfo function, specifically when processing the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter. A stack overflow occurs when this parameter is improperly handled, allowing an attacker to overwrite the stack memory. This can lead to corruption of the program’s control flow, potentially enabling privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges (PR:L), meaning an attacker must have some authenticated access to the device’s management interface or network segment. No user interaction is needed to trigger the flaw, and the attack complexity is low. The impact on confidentiality is limited (C:L), but the integrity impact is high (I:H) due to the possibility of unauthorized changes to device configuration or firmware. Availability impact is low (A:L), indicating that denial of service is possible but not the primary concern. The CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:L) reflects these characteristics. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121, a common weakness related to stack-based buffer overflows. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been released. This leaves affected devices vulnerable until mitigations or updates are applied. Given the nature of the vulnerability, attackers with network access to the device’s management interface could exploit this flaw to compromise router integrity, potentially leading to network traffic interception, configuration manipulation, or persistent device compromise.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-44556 is on the integrity of affected Tenda AX1806 routers. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or alter device configurations, undermining network security controls. This could lead to unauthorized network traffic interception, redirection, or persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. Confidentiality impact is limited but present, as attackers might gain access to sensitive router settings or network topology information. Availability impact is low but could manifest as device crashes or reboots caused by the overflow. Organizations relying on these routers for critical network connectivity, especially in small office or home office environments, could face significant operational disruptions and security breaches. The requirement for local access and authentication reduces the risk of widespread remote exploitation but does not eliminate it, especially in environments with weak access controls or exposed management interfaces. The lack of patches increases the window of exposure, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to organizations using affected devices, with potential for targeted attacks that compromise network integrity and security.

1. Immediately restrict access to the router’s management interface to trusted networks and users only, using network segmentation and firewall rules. 2. Disable IPTV or related features if not in use, to reduce the attack surface associated with the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter. 3. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms on router management interfaces, including complex passwords and, if supported, multi-factor authentication. 4. Monitor router logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts, such as unexpected configuration changes or crashes. 5. Limit physical and network access to the router to prevent unauthorized local access, including disabling remote management if not required. 6. Regularly check for firmware updates from Tenda and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Consider replacing affected devices with models from vendors with more robust security track records if timely patches are not forthcoming. 8. Employ network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to detect anomalous behavior consistent with exploitation attempts targeting stack overflows. 9. Conduct regular security assessments of network devices to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing exposure to the vulnerable parameter, enforcing strict access controls, and preparing for patch deployment.