CVE-2023-25215 in AC5
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2023
Tenda AC5 US_AC5V1.0RTL_V15.03.06.28 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the saveParentControlInfo function. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25215 affects the Tenda AC5 US_AC5V1.0RTL_V15.03.06.28 firmware version and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the saveParentControlInfo function. This flaw resides in the router's web interface handling mechanism where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns. The stack overflow occurs when the firmware processes user-supplied data through the parent control information configuration interface, creating a scenario where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from improper buffer size checks and lack of input sanitization in embedded systems. The affected device operates under a typical router firmware architecture where web-based administrative interfaces communicate directly with underlying system functions, creating attack surface opportunities when input validation mechanisms fail.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern that can be categorized under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing oversized input strings that exceed the allocated buffer space within the saveParentControlInfo function. When the firmware processes this malformed input, the excessive data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting return addresses and control data. This memory corruption can lead to two primary attack vectors: denial of service through application crash or complete system compromise via arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates weak input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The specific function name suggests this relates to parental control features commonly found in consumer routers, making it particularly concerning as it affects a core administrative functionality that users frequently interact with.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise of the affected Tenda router. Denial of service scenarios can render the router inaccessible to legitimate users, disrupting network connectivity and potentially affecting business operations in enterprise environments. More critically, successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to gain root access to the device and potentially use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that routers serve as network gateways and often lack robust security monitoring capabilities. Network administrators who rely on these devices for network management and security enforcement may find their defensive posture compromised, especially if the device is configured with default credentials or lacks secure configuration practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-25215 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda as the primary remediation approach, following the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to administrative interfaces, particularly restricting access to internal networks and implementing strong authentication mechanisms. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, such as malformed HTTP requests targeting the saveParentControlInfo endpoint. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for developers to follow security guidelines such as those provided by the CERT Secure Coding Standards and the SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard. Implementation of runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack memory can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities.