CVE-2024-57545
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Linksys E8450 routers where the hidden_dhcp_num field is copied to the stack without length verification. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the device. Only Linksys E8450 v1.2.00.360516 users are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linksys E8450
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, persistence, and network infiltration
Likely Case
Denial of service causing router crash and network disruption
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation isolates the router and regular backups exist
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub repository, making exploitation more accessible
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Unknown
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Linksys support site for firmware updates
2. If update available, download and install via web interface
3. Reboot router after installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote administration
allPrevents external attackers from accessing vulnerable interface
Access router web interface > Administration > Remote Management > Disable
Network segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from general network
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with updated model or different vendor
- Implement strict firewall rules to limit access to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Access router web interface > Administration > Firmware Upgrade > Check current version matches v1.2.00.360516Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/status.cgi | grep firmware_versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is different from v1.2.00.360516 after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple malformed DHCP requests
- Router crash/reboot events
- Unusual traffic to router management interface
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal packet sizes in DHCP-related traffic
- Repeated connection attempts to router web interface
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND ("DHCP overflow" OR "buffer overflow" OR "segmentation fault")