CVE-2023-45482 in AC10
Summary
by MITRE • 11/29/2023
Tenda AC10 version US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the urls parameter in the function get_parentControl_list_Info.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45482 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Tenda AC10 wireless router firmware version US_AC10V4.0si_V16.03.10.13_cn. This flaw manifests through the improper handling of the urls parameter within the get_parentControl_list_Info function, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters, allowing an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and potentially overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a serious weakness in software design that can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long urls parameter to the affected router's web interface. When the device processes this malformed input through the get_parentControl_list_Info function, the insufficient bounds checking allows the input data to exceed the allocated stack buffer space. This overflow can result in unpredictable program behavior, application crashes, or more critically, the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists within the web administration interface, making it accessible over the network without requiring physical access to the device. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-45482 extends beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the network infrastructure. Once exploited, the attacker can potentially redirect traffic, modify network settings, intercept communications, or establish backdoors for continued access. The affected Tenda AC10 model serves as a gateway device for many residential and small office networks, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to establish footholds within larger networks. The vulnerability affects not only the device's web interface but also represents a potential vector for lateral movement within networks where the router serves as a central point of connectivity. The exploitation of such a vulnerability can lead to complete network compromise, especially when combined with other network reconnaissance activities and credential harvesting techniques. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-45482 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls limiting administrative access to the router's web interface, requiring strong authentication mechanisms and limiting access to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect and alert on anomalous HTTP requests containing unusually long parameter values, particularly those targeting web interfaces. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can further restrict access to the affected device's administration ports. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices and ensure that all firmware components are up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied data in network infrastructure devices, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security maintenance and updates across all network components.