CVE-2023-38934 in F1203
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
Tenda F1203 V2.0.1.6, FH1203 V2.0.1.6 and FH1205 V2.0.0.7(775) was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the deviceId parameter in the formSetDeviceName function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38934 affects multiple Tenda wireless router models including the F1203 V2.0.1.6, FH1203 V2.0.1.6, and FH1205 V2.0.0.7(775) devices. This issue represents a critical stack overflow vulnerability that resides within the web interface of these networking devices, specifically within the formSetDeviceName function. The vulnerability manifests when processing the deviceId parameter, which is typically used to configure device identification settings through the router's administrative web portal. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate this parameter in a manner that leads to unauthorized memory access patterns, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution or system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects consumer-grade networking equipment that often remains unpatched in production environments, creating persistent security risks for network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the formSetDeviceName function, which fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of the deviceId parameter. This deficiency creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where malicious input exceeding the allocated buffer space causes memory corruption. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-119: Improper Access to Memory Locations. The vulnerability enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially allowing them to redirect program execution flow or inject malicious code. The attack surface is particularly wide as these routers are commonly deployed in residential and small business environments where network administrators may not regularly update firmware or monitor for security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-38934 extends beyond simple device compromise to encompass potential network-wide security breaches. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain administrative access to the router's web interface, allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the compromised device to execute commands or scripts within the network environment. The affected devices may also become part of botnet command and control structures, as compromised routers can be used to launch further attacks or serve as pivoting points for lateral movement within networks. Network segmentation benefits may be negated if attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to multiple network segments through a single compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-38934 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 controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes can help detect compromise attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and firmware update policies, as highlighted in NIST SP 800-125 guidelines for managing network device security. Organizations should consider implementing network access control measures and disabling unnecessary services on these devices to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network administrators should employ intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed HTTP requests targeting web application interfaces, particularly those involving parameter manipulation that could indicate exploitation attempts against known buffer overflow vulnerabilities.