CVE-2023-27016 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 R7WebsSecurityHandler 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-2023-27016 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Tenda AC10 wireless router firmware version US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn. This flaw exists within the R7WebsSecurityHandler function, which processes incoming web requests to the device's administrative interface. The stack overflow occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters received through HTTP requests, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected device.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where data written to a buffer on the stack exceeds the buffer's allocated size. The specific implementation flaw in the R7WebsSecurityHandler function demonstrates inadequate input validation and memory management practices that are commonly exploited in network device attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through buffer overflow attacks, particularly targeting network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. An attacker exploiting this stack overflow can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device. This arbitrary code execution capability allows for complete takeover of the router's functionality, enabling attackers to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors. The DoS aspect of this vulnerability can also be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it can be used to disable legitimate network services and create conditions for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27016 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 exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure, as similar stack overflow conditions may exist in other firmware components. Regular security monitoring and prompt patch management procedures are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices.