CVE-2023-27015 in AC10
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2023
Tenda AC10 US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the sub_4A75C0 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 • 11/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27015 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Tenda AC10 wireless router firmware version US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn. This flaw resides in the sub_4A75C0 function, which processes incoming network requests without adequate input validation or buffer boundary checks. The stack overflow occurs when maliciously crafted data is sent to the affected device, potentially leading to system instability or complete compromise. This vulnerability specifically affects the firmware's handling of network packets or configuration parameters that traverse through the vulnerable function, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the call stack. The sub_4A75C0 function appears to use unsafe string handling or fixed-size buffer operations that do not validate the length of incoming data before copying it into memory. This flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability operates at the network level, requiring no authentication or physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the program to overwrite return addresses, saved registers, or other critical stack data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential complete system compromise and arbitrary code execution. When successfully exploited, the stack overflow can redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively allowing remote code execution on the affected router. This capability transforms the device from a simple network access point into a potential command and control node for broader network attacks. The DoS aspect of the vulnerability can also be leveraged to create persistent network disruptions, particularly in environments where router availability is critical. Network administrators may face challenges in identifying compromised devices since the attack can occur silently, potentially remaining undetected while the attacker maintains persistent access to the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27015 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploits. Network monitoring should focus on unusual traffic patterns or repeated connection attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints often lead to insufficient security measures. Security teams should consider implementing network access controls and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates the prevalence of unsafe buffer handling in consumer-grade networking equipment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 Exploitation for Execution and T1499 Endpoint Termination, emphasizing both the execution and potential disruption aspects of the flaw.