Critical TP-Link DHCP Vulnerability Let Attackers Execute Arbitrary Code Remotely

A critical security flaw has been uncovered in certain TP-Link routers, potentially allowing malicious actors to remotely compromise affected devices.

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-11237, affects TP-Link VN020 F3v(T) routers running firmware version TT_V6.2.1021, which are primarily deployed through Tunisie Telecom and Topnet ISPs.

Similar variants of the router used in Algeria and Morocco are also susceptible to this exploit.

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The vulnerability stems from a stack-based buffer overflow that can be triggered by specially crafted DHCP DISCOVER packets.

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This flaw allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service (DoS) conditions without requiring authentication. The attack vector utilizes UDP port 67, which is typically used for DHCP server communications.

TP-Link DHCP Vulnerability – PoC

Security researchers have demonstrated that by manipulating the DHCP packet structure, particularly the hostname option and vendor-specific fields, they can exploit the router’s vulnerable DHCP processing mechanism.

The exact internal implementation details remain unclear due to the proprietary nature of the firmware, but observed behavior suggests significant memory corruption issues.

A proof-of-concept exploit has been developed, showcasing the router’s immediate unresponsiveness, DHCP service failure, and automatic restarts following the attack. These effects can lead to substantial network disruptions requiring manual intervention to resolve.

The vulnerability was initially discovered on October 20, 2024, with TP-Link being notified on November 3, 2024. The CVE identifier was assigned on November 15, 2024. As of now, no official patch has been released by the manufacturer to address this security issue.

While awaiting an official fix, affected users are advised to implement temporary mitigation strategies.

These include disabling the DHCP server functionality if not required, implementing DHCP traffic filtering at the network edge, or considering alternative router models where possible.

The discovery of this vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in IoT device security, particularly in widely deployed consumer-grade networking equipment.

TP-Link has yet to comment publicly on the vulnerability or provide a timeline for a security update. Users of affected devices are urged to stay vigilant and monitor for any official communications from the manufacturer regarding this security issue.

As the situation develops, cybersecurity experts recommend that network administrators and home users alike remain cautious and implement available mitigation strategies to protect their networks from potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

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