CVE-2023-25217 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 formWifiBasicSet 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-2023-25217 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda AC5 US_AC5V1.0RTL_V15.03.06.28 wireless router firmware. This vulnerability manifests through the formWifiBasicSet function, which processes wireless configuration parameters submitted through the device's web interface. The stack overflow occurs when the firmware fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data onto the stack, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The affected device model represents a common consumer-grade wireless router that typically serves as a primary network access point for home and small office environments, making it a potentially attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, which occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer. This specific implementation flaw allows attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses and potentially control registers. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to launch attacks, as the web interface typically accepts HTTP requests from external sources. The stack overflow can be triggered through carefully crafted HTTP POST requests containing malformed parameters to the formWifiBasicSet endpoint, which then gets processed without adequate input sanitization or length checking mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution on the affected device. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain administrative privileges on the router, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. This represents a significant risk for organizations and individuals who rely on these devices for network security, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects not just the device itself but also any systems connected through it, potentially exposing sensitive data and creating persistent backdoors that can remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-25217 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable formWifiBasicSet function. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces on network devices and implementing strong authentication mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of vulnerabilities and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access and move laterally within networks. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure components, as stack overflow vulnerabilities often indicate broader code quality issues that may affect other functions within the same firmware ecosystem.