CVE-2023-46522 in TL-WR886N
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
TP-LINK TL-WR886N V7.0_3.0.14_Build_221115_Rel.56908n.bin was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function deviceInfoRegister.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46522 represents a critical stack overflow flaw discovered in TP-LINK TL-WR886N wireless router firmware version 7.0_3.0.14_Build_221115_Rel.56908n. This issue manifests within the deviceInfoRegister function, which serves as a crucial component for device registration and information handling within the router's web interface. The stack overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing user-supplied data through this specific function. The affected firmware version demonstrates a classic buffer management flaw where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. This vulnerability specifically targets the router's web management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device. The stack overflow condition occurs when the device processes registration requests containing oversized or malformed data, causing the program to overwrite its own stack memory with attacker-controlled content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This weakness specifically describes buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the bounds of a stack buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory and allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services, as it enables remote code execution through web interface exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the router's firmware level rather than just the application layer, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the device's operations. The deviceInfoRegister function likely handles various device identification parameters and registration information, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46522 extends beyond simple device compromise, as it represents a significant threat to network security infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the router's management interface, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle operations, DNS hijacking, or as a launching point for attacks against other devices within the local network. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the stack overflow could manifest as intermittent service disruptions or appear to be normal device behavior. The affected TP-LINK TL-WR886N model represents a widely deployed consumer-grade router, meaning that the potential impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous networks, including residential and small business environments. The specific firmware version indicates this is a relatively recent vulnerability, suggesting that the issue may have been introduced through recent firmware updates or patches that inadvertently introduced the buffer overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TP-LINK, as the manufacturer is likely to have released patches addressing the stack overflow condition. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary services and ports on the affected routers, particularly the web management interface if it is not actively required for administration. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual device registration patterns or attempts to access the router's management interface from unexpected locations. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to the router's management ports from unauthorized sources. Given the nature of stack overflow vulnerabilities, implementing address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these are typically more relevant at the application level than firmware level vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and network scanning should include checking for devices running the vulnerable firmware versions to ensure comprehensive protection across the entire network infrastructure.