CVE-2024-11237
📋 TL;DR
A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the DHCP DISCOVER packet parser of TP-Link VN020 F3v(T) routers. Attackers can exploit this remotely by sending specially crafted DHCP packets with manipulated hostname arguments, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This affects TP-Link VN020 F3v(T) routers running TT_V6.2.1021 firmware.
💻 Affected Systems
- TP-Link VN020 F3v(T)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attackers achieve unauthenticated remote code execution with root privileges, enabling complete device compromise, persistence installation, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, network reconnaissance, and potential botnet recruitment.
If Mitigated
Denial of service through device crashes or reboots if exploit fails or is partially mitigated.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept code available on GitHub demonstrates exploitation. Attack requires sending crafted DHCP packets to vulnerable device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None known
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check TP-Link website for firmware updates. If update available: 1. Download firmware from TP-Link support site. 2. Log into router admin interface. 3. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 4. Upload and apply new firmware. 5. Reboot router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DHCP Server
allDisable the built-in DHCP server functionality to prevent exploitation via DHCP packets.
Network Segmentation
allIsolate vulnerable routers in separate network segments with strict firewall rules.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace vulnerable devices with patched or different models
- Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure to DHCP traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router web interface: System Tools > Firmware Version. If version is TT_V6.2.1021, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
No CLI command; check via web interface at http://router_ipVerify Fix Applied:
After firmware update, verify version is no longer TT_V6.2.1021. Test with DHCP traffic monitoring for abnormal packets.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Router crash/reboot logs
- DHCP server error messages
- Unusual DHCP packet sizes in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Abnormally large DHCP DISCOVER packets
- DHCP packets with unusually long hostname fields
- Traffic to router on UDP port 67
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND ("DHCP" AND "error" OR "crash" OR "reboot") OR (packet_size>500 AND protocol="DHCP")