CVE-2024-45415 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the HTTPD binary of multiple ZTE routers. The vulnerability resides in the check_data_integrity function, which is responsible for validating the checksum of data received in POST requests. The checksum is transmitted encrypted; the function decrypts it and stores the checksum on the stack without verifying its length or integrity, leading to a classic stack buffer overflow (CWE-121). This unchecked buffer operation allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft a malicious POST request with a specially crafted encrypted checksum payload that overflows the stack buffer. Exploiting this flaw results in remote code execution (RCE) with root privileges, giving the attacker full control over the affected device. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction and can be triggered remotely over the network, increasing its severity. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the critical nature of the vulnerability with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized quickly. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention from organizations using ZTE routers to monitor for updates and implement interim mitigations.

The impact of CVE-2024-45415 is severe for organizations relying on affected ZTE routers. Successful exploitation grants attackers root-level remote code execution, enabling full control over the device. This can lead to interception and manipulation of network traffic, disruption of network services, deployment of persistent malware, and use of compromised routers as pivot points for lateral movement within corporate or service provider networks. Confidential data passing through these routers can be exfiltrated or altered, undermining data integrity and privacy. The availability of critical network infrastructure could be compromised, causing significant operational downtime. Given the critical role routers play in network security and connectivity, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to enterprise, government, and telecommunications networks worldwide. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements further increases the likelihood of exploitation, making it a high-priority threat for network defenders.

Organizations should immediately identify and inventory all ZTE routers in their environment to assess exposure. Until official patches are released, network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces, especially blocking inbound POST requests to the HTTPD service from untrusted networks. Deploying intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics targeting anomalous POST requests or buffer overflow attempts against ZTE routers can provide temporary defense. Monitoring router logs and network traffic for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts is critical. Where possible, disable or restrict remote management interfaces exposed to the internet. Engage with ZTE support channels to obtain security advisories and patches as soon as they become available. Additionally, consider deploying network-level mitigations such as rate limiting and anomaly detection to reduce attack surface. Organizations should also prepare incident response plans specific to router compromise scenarios.