External risk intelligence

Tenda TX9 Firmware Stack Overflow Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2024-51311

The vulnerability exists in a consumer router's firmware, specifically within a web management interface function. Such devices are designed to be connected to the internet, and their web-based configuration portals are standard, internet-reachable services by design in typical deployments.

Halo Surface Signal: 5 out of 5 — more likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This critical vulnerability affects Tenda TX9 V22.03.02.05 firmware, impacting a function within its network control list settings. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to remotely compromise the device, potentially leading to widespread disruption. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure to understand any potential business impact.

  • Network control list flaw allows remote takeover.
  • Consumer routers are often internet-facing.
  • Assess exposure to understand potential risk.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker could reach the Tenda TX9 router's web interface and trigger a stack overflow vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the `/goform/SetNetControlList` endpoint. This vulnerability exists within the `sub_4418CC` function and, if successfully triggered, could lead to denial of service or other unintended system behavior.

  • Network access required.
  • Triggered via SetNetControlList.
  • Risk of denial of service.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A stack overflow in the `SetNetControlList` function could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device. This could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

  • System configuration data at risk.
  • Unauthenticated network access enables overflow.
  • Potential for full device compromise.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Tenda TX9 firmware is likely to impact end-users or organizations deploying these devices for network access. The primary action required is to identify all instances of the affected firmware, confirm their exposure and criticality, and then coordinate remediation efforts, potentially involving vendor support.

  • Network and IT infrastructure owners.
  • Verify device exposure and business criticality.
  • Plan vendor-assisted firmware updates.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tenda TX9 router?

The Tenda TX9 is a consumer-grade wireless router designed to provide home or small-office network connectivity. It manages internet traffic and wireless device access through built-in firmware. The specific version V22.03.02.05 includes a web-based configuration interface that administrators use to set up network features, such as the access control lists managed by the vulnerable software component.

What does this stack overflow vulnerability mean for CVE-2024-51311?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-121, which refers to a stack-based buffer overflow. In plain terms, the software fails to properly check the amount of data being sent to a specific internal function before processing it. This can cause the application to overwrite adjacent memory, potentially allowing an attacker to hijack the device's normal operation or execute unauthorized commands.

How can an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this bug by sending a specifically crafted network request to the device's web management interface, targeting the /goform/SetNetControlList endpoint. Because the vulnerability lies within the sub_4418CC function, simply using normal router functions or legitimate configuration settings will not trigger the flaw; it requires malicious input designed to exceed the buffer's capacity.

Is my Tenda TX9 router at risk if it is connected to the internet?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this device is highly likely to be at risk if reachable online. Because this router is a consumer device with a web portal designed for management, it often sits directly on the internet. If your management interface is exposed to the public web rather than restricted to a local or internal-only network, the device is considered externally accessible and potentially vulnerable.

What should I do to secure my affected Tenda device?

Your first step is to locate all instances of the Tenda TX9 running the vulnerable firmware version and confirm if they are accessible from the internet. Since this is a firmware-level issue, you should monitor the official Tenda support website for updates or security patches. If an update is not immediately available, restrict access to the router's web management interface so that it cannot be reached from the public internet.

References