CVE-2023-27020 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 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 • 11/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27020 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda AC10 US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn firmware implementation. This vulnerability specifically manifests within the saveParentControlInfo function, which serves as a critical component in the device's parental control configuration management system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management practices during the processing of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise the device's operational integrity.
The technical exploitation of this stack overflow vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload designed to exceed the allocated buffer space within the saveParentControlInfo function. This overflow condition can result in arbitrary code execution or cause a denial of service scenario, effectively rendering the network device inoperable. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it operates at the firmware level, providing attackers with potential access to the underlying system architecture. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security infrastructure as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected device. The ability to execute arbitrary code means that attackers could potentially install malware, modify network configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network environment. The denial of service component further compounds the threat landscape by enabling attackers to disrupt network connectivity and availability for legitimate users. These capabilities directly map to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution and T1499.004 for network disruption, demonstrating the multi-faceted attack surface this vulnerability exposes.
The remediation approach for CVE-2023-27020 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the buffer overflow condition in the saveParentControlInfo function. Security teams must implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of all network devices to identify similar implementation flaws. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure devices where the attack surface can directly impact enterprise network security. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access attempts targeting known vulnerable firmware versions. The incident underscores the necessity for continuous security monitoring and prompt patch management processes to mitigate the risk of exploitation in production environments.