RT-AX88U: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
CVE-2022-26674 is a high-severity use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability in RT-AX88U from ASUS, with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 3.0.0.4.386.4606 as the first without the flaw, so updating RT-AX88U to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.76% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 87% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update RT-AX88U to 3.0.0.4.386.4606 or a later version.
- Update Rt-ax88u Firmware to 3.0.0.4.386.46065 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS | RT-AX88U | before 3.0.0.4.386.4606 | 3.0.0.4.386.4606 |
| ASUS | Rt-ax88u Firmware | before 3.0.0.4.386.46065 | 3.0.0.4.386.46065 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Access vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network.
- Access complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed.
- Authentication
- NoneNo login is needed.
- Confidentiality
- PartialSome data can be read.
- Integrity
- PartialSome data can be modified.
- Availability
- PartialAvailability is reduced.
Vector: AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (cert.org.tw) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
ASUS RT-AX88U has a Format String vulnerability, which allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to write to arbitrary memory address and perform remote arbitrary code execution, arbitrary system operation or disrupt service.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a language that is not subject to this flaw.
- Ensure that all format string functions are passed a static string which cannot be controlled by the user, and that the proper number of arguments are always sent to that function as well. If at all possible, use functions that do not support the %n operator in format strings.
- Run compilers and linkers with high warning levels, since they may detect incorrect usage.
More Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities (CWE-134)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- twcert.org.tw/tw/cp-132-6043-0f72c-1.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in RT-AX88U
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 5.5 Medium severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
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