CVE-2023-37702 in FH1203
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2023
Tenda FH1203 V2.0.1.6 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the deviceId parameter in the formSetDeviceName function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37702 affects the Tenda FH1203 router firmware version V2.0.1.6, representing a critical stack overflow condition that arises from improper input validation within the device's web interface. This flaw exists within the formSetDeviceName function, which processes the deviceId parameter submitted through web forms. The stack overflow vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly sanitize or limit input length when handling the deviceId parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to submit a malformed deviceId parameter containing excessive input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. When the router processes this oversized input, the stack memory layout becomes corrupted, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable program behavior, system crashes, or more seriously, complete system compromise. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location without prior access credentials. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1210: Exploitation of Remote Services, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in network services to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-37702 extends beyond simple service disruption, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected router. This compromised device could then serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network, potentially providing access to connected devices, sensitive data, or even serving as a command and control node for botnet activities. The vulnerability affects the router's web management interface, which is typically accessible to users within the local network segment, but the remote exploitation capability means that attackers could potentially reach the device from external networks if port forwarding or other configurations expose the management interface. Network administrators must consider the broader implications of such a compromise, as routers often serve as critical network infrastructure components that control traffic flow and security policies for entire network segments. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to network security posture, particularly in environments where router firmware is not regularly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37702 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda if available, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying stack overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the router's management interface, limiting exposure to only trusted network segments. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or attempts to exploit the vulnerable parameter, as the exploitation attempts may generate detectable network signatures. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all network devices to identify similar stack overflow conditions or other memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in the network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in embedded web applications, as recommended by industry best practices and security frameworks that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all network infrastructure components, particularly those with remote management capabilities that could be exploited by threat actors.