CVE-2023-46012 in EA7500
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2024
Buffer Overflow vulnerability LINKSYS EA7500 3.0.1.207964 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via an HTTP request to the IGD UPnP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46012 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LINKSYS EA7500 router firmware version 3.0.1.207964. This issue specifically affects the Internet Gateway Device IGD UPnP component, which serves as a crucial interface for network device communication and service discovery. The vulnerability resides in the handling of HTTP requests directed to the UPnP service, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. The buffer overflow occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters within the UPnP request processing logic, allowing an attacker to overflow memory buffers and overwrite critical program execution structures.
This technical flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The UPnP IGD service in the EA7500 router implements the Universal Plug and Play protocol to facilitate automatic network configuration and device discovery, making it a prime target for exploitation. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing oversized data payloads, the router's processing routine fails to properly handle the input length, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and memory boundary checking that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete network compromise and potential data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow can gain administrative privileges on the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking internal network systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that UPnP services are often enabled by default on consumer routers, making the vulnerability accessible to threat actors with minimal reconnaissance requirements. This flaw could enable man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or the creation of persistent command and control channels that remain undetected by standard network monitoring tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46012 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest firmware updates provided by Cisco, as the vulnerability has been acknowledged and patched in subsequent releases. Network administrators should disable UPnP services when not actively required, as this significantly reduces the attack surface and eliminates the exploitation vector entirely. Implementing network segmentation and access control lists can further limit the potential impact of exploitation by isolating the affected device from critical network segments. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual UPnP traffic patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known exploitation attempts, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security controls that address both endpoint protection and network-wide monitoring capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network behavior analysis tools that can detect anomalous UPnP traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.