CVE-2024-33181
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on Tenda AC18 routers via a stack-based buffer overflow in the addWifiMacFilter function. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the deviceMac parameter, potentially gaining full control of affected devices. This affects Tenda AC18 routers running firmware version V15.03.3.10_EN.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AC18
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise leading to persistent backdoor installation, network traffic interception, credential theft, and lateral movement to other network devices.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify router settings, intercept traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation isolates the router and external access is restricted, though local network attacks may still be possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is in a web form handler, making it relatively easy to exploit with publicly available technical details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check Tenda's official website for firmware updates. If available, download the latest firmware and apply it through the router's web interface under System Tools > Firmware Upgrade.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to the router's web interface
Access router web interface > Advanced > System Tools > Remote Management > Disable
Restrict Access via Firewall
linuxBlock access to the router's web interface from untrusted networks
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with updated models or different vendors
- Segment network to isolate vulnerable routers from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in web interface: System Status > Firmware Version. If version is V15.03.3.10_EN, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/goform/getStatus | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating firmware, verify the version no longer matches V15.03.3.10_EN and test that the addWifiMacFilter endpoint no longer accepts malformed deviceMac parameters.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /goform/addWifiMacFilter
- Large or malformed deviceMac parameter values in web logs
- Router reboot or crash logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to router IP on port 80/tcp with oversized deviceMac parameter
- Unusual outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source="router-logs" AND (uri="/goform/addWifiMacFilter" AND deviceMac.length>50)