CVE-2024-6142
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in the Actiontec WCB6200Q router's HTTP server allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication. This affects users of Actiontec WCB6200Q routers with vulnerable firmware. Successful exploitation gives attackers control over the router's HTTP service.
💻 Affected Systems
- Actiontec WCB6200Q
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router compromise allowing attackers to intercept/modify traffic, pivot to internal networks, install persistent malware, or brick the device.
Likely Case
Router takeover leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, credential theft, network reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement to connected devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if router is isolated from critical networks, though still vulnerable to local network attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
No authentication required, network-adjacent access needed; buffer overflow exploitation typically requires some skill but tools may automate this
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in references; check vendor advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: Not provided in references; check Actiontec security advisories
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Actiontec support site for firmware updates
2. Download latest firmware for WCB6200Q
3. Access router admin interface
4. Navigate to firmware update section
5. Upload and apply new firmware
6. Reboot router after update completes
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HTTP Server
allTurn off the vulnerable HTTP service if not required
Access router admin interface
Navigate to network/services settings
Disable HTTP server/management interface
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router from critical network segments
Configure VLANs to separate router traffic
Implement firewall rules to restrict access to router management interface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace router with patched or different model
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach the router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version against vendor's patched version list; test with controlled exploit if authorizedCheck Version:
Access router web interface and check firmware version in admin/settings pageVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches patched version from vendor; test that HTTP server no longer crashes with malformed requests📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP server crashes/restarts
- Unusual HTTP requests with long payloads
- Multiple failed connection attempts to router management interface
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to router HTTP port (typically 80/8080)
- Exploit kit signatures targeting this CVE
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event="http_server_crash" OR http_uri_length>1000)