CVE-2023-33675 in AC8
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2023
Tenda AC8V4.0-V16.03.34.06 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the time parameter in the get_parentControl_list_Info function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33675 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the Tenda AC8V4.0-V16.03.34.06 wireless router firmware. This issue manifests through improper input validation within the get_parentControl_list_Info function, specifically when processing the time parameter. The vulnerability stems from the firmware's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input data before using it in stack-based operations, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution. The affected device model operates with a web-based administration interface that processes various parameters including time values for parent control functionality, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Tenda routers in residential and small office environments.
The technical exploitation of this stack overflow vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious time parameter value that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size within the get_parentControl_list_Info function. This buffer overflow condition can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited from outside the network perimeter. The flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT Secure Coding Standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass potential network compromise and persistent access to affected networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full administrative control over the affected router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent backdoors. The parent control functionality that triggers this vulnerability typically manages device access restrictions and time-based controls, making the exploitation particularly insidious as it can be concealed within legitimate administrative operations. This vulnerability affects not only the router's operational integrity but also compromises the entire network security posture of organizations and households relying on these devices for internet connectivity. The potential for widespread exploitation increases given the common deployment of Tenda routers in unsecured environments where network monitoring is minimal and security updates are often neglected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-33675 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 firewall rules to limit access to router administration interfaces, particularly restricting access to the affected web service from external networks. The implementation of intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts through anomalous parameter values in web requests. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary administrative services and implementing strong authentication mechanisms where possible. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1071.005 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as the exploitation occurs through web-based administrative interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in embedded systems and network devices.