CVE-2023-38931 in AC5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
Tenda AC10 V1.0 V15.03.06.23, AC1206 V15.03.06.23, AC8 v4 V16.03.34.06, AC6 V2.0 V15.03.06.23, AC7 V1.0 V15.03.06.44, F1203 V2.0.1.6, AC5 V1.0 V15.03.06.28, AC10 v4.0 V16.03.10.13 and FH1203 V2.0.1.6 were discovered to contain a stack overflow via the list parameter in the setaccount function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38931 represents a critical stack overflow condition affecting multiple Tenda wireless router models including AC10, AC1206, AC8 v4, AC6 V2.0, AC7, F1203, AC5, AC10 v4.0, and FH1203. This flaw exists within the web management interface of these devices, specifically in the setaccount function where the list parameter is processed without adequate input validation. The stack overflow vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking when handling user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the device's memory structure through crafted input sequences. The affected firmware versions span several years of Tenda's product line, indicating a persistent security flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the device lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic buffer overflow scenario where the setaccount function fails to properly validate the length of the list parameter before processing it. When an attacker submits a malformed payload containing excessive data to the list parameter, the function attempts to copy this data onto the stack without sufficient bounds checking, causing the stack to overflow and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. This condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution, system instability, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant risk to network security as it affects consumer-grade networking equipment that typically operates within trusted local networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise to encompass broader network security implications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to router management interfaces, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The affected devices operate with elevated privileges within local networks, making them attractive targets for lateral movement and advanced persistent threat campaigns. This vulnerability particularly concerns network administrators and security professionals as it affects multiple device models across different firmware versions, suggesting a systemic issue in Tenda's software development lifecycle. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices are often deployed in residential and small office environments where network monitoring and security controls may be limited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-38931 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying software flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints often lead to insufficient security measures. Organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific device models, as the attack vector involves standard web-based protocols that can be detected through network traffic analysis. This vulnerability also highlights the need for continuous security assessments of networking equipment, as it affects devices that may have been deployed for years without adequate security updates or patches. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and privilege escalation techniques, emphasizing the critical nature of protecting network infrastructure devices from such foundational security flaws.