CVE-2024-28535
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-28535 is a critical stack overflow vulnerability in Tenda AC18 routers that allows remote code execution. Attackers can exploit the mitInterface parameter in the fromAddressNat function to crash the device or execute arbitrary code. This affects all users running the vulnerable firmware version.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AC18
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing persistent remote access, network traffic interception, and lateral movement to other devices on the network.
Likely Case
Router crash requiring physical reset, temporary network disruption, and potential credential theft from connected devices.
If Mitigated
Denial of service affecting only the router's web interface with no network traffic impact if proper segmentation exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public GitHub repository contains detailed analysis and proof-of-concept. The vulnerability requires no authentication and has simple exploitation vectors.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Tenda official website for firmware updates. 2. Download latest firmware for AC18 model. 3. Access router admin interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and install new firmware. 6. Wait for automatic reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevents external exploitation by disabling WAN access to router administration interface
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface to separate VLAN with strict access controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected Tenda AC18 routers with different models from vendors with better security track records
- Implement strict firewall rules blocking all external access to router management interfaces (ports 80/443)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Access router web interface, navigate to System Status page and check firmware version matches V15.03.05.05Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/goform/getStatus | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
After firmware update, verify version number no longer shows V15.03.05.05 and test if fromAddressNat function responds to overflow attempts📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to fromAddressNat endpoint
- Router crash/reboot logs
- Large payloads in HTTP requests to mitInterface parameter
Network Indicators:
- Multiple failed HTTP requests to router admin interface from external IPs
- Unusual traffic patterns to router port 80/443
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND (uri="*/fromAddressNat*" OR message="*mitInterface*" OR message="*stack overflow*")