CVE-2023-41558 in AC7
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2023
Tenda AC7 V1.0 V15.03.06.44 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via parameter timeZone at url /goform/SetSysTimeCfg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41558 affects the Tenda AC7 wireless router model running firmware versions V1.0 and V15.03.06.44. This issue manifests as a stack overflow condition that occurs when processing the timeZone parameter through the web interface at the specific URL path /goform/SetSysTimeCfg. The stack overflow represents a critical security flaw that can potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the firmware's web application layer, specifically in how it handles user-supplied data when configuring system time settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the timeZone parameter which is passed to the SetSysTimeCfg function. When an attacker submits a specially crafted timeZone value, the firmware fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the application does not validate the length of the incoming parameter against the allocated buffer space, allowing excessive data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically aligns with CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates potential for remote code execution and complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface, potentially leading to complete control over the device and its network configuration. This includes the ability to modify network settings, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed consumer-grade router model and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41558 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the router's administrative ports, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected URL path. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and remote code execution, specifically T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, as the stack overflow condition creates predictable attack signatures that can be detected through network traffic analysis.