External risk intelligence

H3C N12 Firmware Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2024-57480

The vulnerability exists in the web management interface of a network device, reachable via a POST request to a web server. Such management interfaces on network appliances are frequently exposed to the network to facilitate administration, and their design often involves being accessible over the network to perform configuration tasks.

Buffer Overflow

H3c N12 Firmware

100r005

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory concerns a critical vulnerability identified in H3C N12 network devices. A buffer overflow flaw in the device's configuration function could allow an unauthenticated attacker to remotely crash the device or execute unauthorized commands by sending a specially crafted request. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure due to the severity and potential for remote exploitation.

Allows remote attackers to crash devices.
Critical flaw in network device configuration.
Confirm relevance and assess exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit a buffer overflow in the device's AP configuration function by sending a crafted POST request to the `/bin/webs` endpoint. This could allow them to remotely crash the device or execute arbitrary commands.

Entry: No authentication or user interaction needed.
Trigger: Send a malicious POST request to `/bin/webs`.
Risk: Device crash or arbitrary command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The H3C N12, when running firmware version 100R005, is susceptible to a buffer overflow vulnerability in its AP configuration function. This flaw could allow an unauthenticated attacker to remotely crash the device or execute arbitrary commands by sending a specially crafted POST request to the `/bin/webs` endpoint.

Device stability and integrity at risk.
Crash or arbitrary code execution possible.
Unauthorized control over network device.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The buffer overflow vulnerability in H3C N12 firmware impacts the AP configuration function, allowing for remote code execution or device crashes. Teams responsible for network infrastructure and device management should prioritize identifying all instances of the affected firmware, assessing their exposure, and confirming business criticality to plan remediation. Coordination with the vendor may be necessary for a timely fix.

Network and infrastructure teams own this.
Verify affected device reachability and criticality.
Plan remediation based on identified risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the H3C N12 device?

The H3C N12 is a network appliance typically deployed to manage connectivity and wireless access points within a network infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically affects devices running firmware version V100R005, which includes the web management interface software susceptible to this flaw.

How does CVE-2024-57480 work?

This vulnerability is a buffer overflow, classified as CWE-120. It occurs because the software fails to properly check the length of data provided to the AP configuration function. When an oversized input is processed, it overwrites adjacent memory, which can cause the system to stop functioning or allow an unauthorized user to run their own commands.

Does a simple network connection trigger the bug?

No. The vulnerability is not triggered by merely connecting to the network or browsing the device. It requires an attacker to specifically send a malicious POST request directed at the /bin/webs endpoint to manipulate the configuration function.

Is my device at risk?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is considered likely to be relevant if your device management interface is accessible over the network. Because the affected function is part of the web-based administration, any H3C N12 reachable from your local network or the internet is a potential target for this attack.

What should I do if I use this hardware?

First, inventory your network to identify all H3C N12 devices running the affected firmware. Assess which of these units are accessible via your network management interfaces. Once identified, prioritize these devices for monitoring and reach out to the vendor for available updates or guidance on how to secure the web configuration function.

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.