CVE-2023-30375 in AC15
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2023
In Tenda AC15 V15.03.05.19, the function "getIfIp" contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30375 affects the Tenda AC15 router model running firmware version V15.03.05.19 and represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the getIfIp function. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The affected device operates as a wireless router and access point, making it a potential entry point for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure. The buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the software implementation that handles network interface IP address retrieval, indicating poor input validation and memory management practices in the firmware codebase.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the getIfIp function which processes network interface information. When the function receives network data containing IP address information, it fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious network packets or manipulate network interface configurations to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for remote code execution and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-30375 extends beyond simple network disruption to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface, potentially leading to complete network control including DNS hijacking, traffic interception, and modification of network traffic. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in residential and small office environments, where they serve as the primary gateway to the internet and often lack proper network segmentation. This makes the potential attack surface particularly concerning as compromised routers can serve as launching points for broader network attacks, including lateral movement within corporate networks or as part of larger botnet operations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as compromised routers could be used to manipulate DNS resolution and redirect traffic to malicious domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-30375 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of a compromised device, while also monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling network communications. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior from network devices, including unexpected changes to routing tables or unusual DNS queries. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices, as many embedded systems remain unpatched for extended periods due to lack of automated update mechanisms or user awareness. The flaw also underscores the necessity of applying the principle of least privilege to network devices, ensuring that administrative interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks and that strong authentication mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized access.