CVE-2026-78170 Overview
CVE-2026-78170 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the UTT HiPER 1200GW router firmware up to version 2.5.3-170306. The flaw resides in the strcpy call within the /goform/formConfigFastDirectionW handler. Attackers can manipulate the ssid argument to trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable and a public exploit has been released. The weakness is classified under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer).
Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low privileges can corrupt router memory through the ssid parameter, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service on affected UTT HiPER 1200GW devices.
Affected Products
- UTT HiPER 1200GW firmware versions up to 2.5.3-170306
- The vulnerable component is the formConfigFastDirectionW web configuration handler
- Deployments exposing the router web interface to untrusted networks
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-24 - CVE-2026-78170 published to NVD
- 2026-08-24 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-78170
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the web management interface of the UTT HiPER 1200GW router. The formConfigFastDirectionW handler processes wireless configuration requests submitted through the /goform/ endpoint. Within this handler, the ssid parameter is passed directly to a strcpy operation without prior length validation.
Because strcpy copies bytes until it encounters a null terminator, an oversized ssid value overflows the fixed-size destination buffer. This overwrite can corrupt adjacent stack or heap structures, including saved return addresses on stack-based implementations. Successful exploitation results in memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution or reliably crash the device.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of the unbounded strcpy C library function on attacker-controlled input. The firmware does not enforce length limits on the ssid field before copying it into the destination buffer. This falls under [CWE-119], where operations are performed outside the bounds of a memory buffer.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network reachability to the router's HTTP management interface and low-level authenticated access. An attacker submits a crafted POST request to /goform/formConfigFastDirectionW containing an oversized ssid parameter. Because the exploit is public, opportunistic scanning and exploitation activity is plausible. See the public technical writeup for exploitation specifics.
No verified proof-of-concept code is reproduced here. Refer to the VulDB entry for additional technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-78170
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests to /goform/formConfigFastDirectionW containing abnormally long ssid values
- Unexpected router reboots, web interface unresponsiveness, or wireless service disruption following configuration requests
- Outbound connections from the router to unknown hosts, which may indicate post-exploitation activity
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP traffic to router management interfaces for requests targeting /goform/formConfigFastDirectionW with ssid parameters exceeding typical length (32 bytes per IEEE 802.11)
- Deploy IDS/IPS signatures that flag oversized POST body parameters directed at UTT HiPER /goform/ endpoints
- Correlate router crash events, syslog reboots, and configuration changes with prior inbound HTTP activity
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router syslog and management access logs to a centralized logging platform for anomaly analysis
- Alert on any external source IP successfully reaching the router administrative interface
- Track firmware version inventory to identify devices running 2.5.3-170306 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-78170
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router web management interface to trusted management VLANs only
- Disable remote WAN-side administration on all UTT HiPER 1200GW devices
- Rotate administrative credentials, since exploitation requires low-privilege authenticated access
- Inventory affected devices and prioritize replacement or isolation if no vendor patch is available
Patch Information
No vendor-issued patch has been referenced in the published CVE data. Organizations should monitor UTT vendor channels for firmware updates addressing formConfigFastDirectionW. Consult the VulDB advisory for updated remediation status.
Workarounds
- Place affected routers behind a firewall that blocks inbound access to TCP ports serving the web interface
- Segment IoT and consumer-grade routers away from production networks and sensitive assets
- Replace end-of-life or unpatched UTT HiPER 1200GW devices with actively supported hardware
- Monitor /goform/ endpoint requests using a reverse proxy or network sensor and drop oversized parameter values
# Example: block external access to router management interface using iptables
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
