CVE-2023-46538 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 chkResetVeriRegister.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46538 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the TP-LINK TL-WR886N router firmware version 7.0_3.0.14_Build_221115_Rel.56908n. This issue manifests through the chkResetVeriRegister function, which serves as a critical component in the router's firmware validation mechanisms. The stack overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within this specific function, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise the device's operational integrity.
The technical flaw stems from improper memory management practices within the chkResetVeriRegister function where user-controllable input data is processed without adequate sanitization or size verification. When the router processes specific input parameters through this function, the stack buffer fails to properly validate the incoming data length, allowing an attacker to overflow the allocated stack space. This condition creates a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution, as the overflow can overwrite critical stack metadata including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected router. This presents significant security implications for network infrastructure, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, traffic interception, or as pivoting points for attacks against connected devices. The vulnerability affects the router's administrative interface and potentially its underlying operating system, creating opportunities for persistent access and data exfiltration. According to ATT&CK framework category T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, compromised network devices can be leveraged for reconnaissance and lateral movement activities within corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46538 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TP-LINK to address the stack overflow condition in the chkResetVeriRegister function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network access controls and regular security audits of network infrastructure can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices including input validation, buffer size checking, and proper memory management in embedded systems. Organizations should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms and network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to network infrastructure devices. Regular vulnerability assessments and firmware update management programs are essential to maintain the security posture of networked devices and prevent exploitation of similar stack-based buffer overflow conditions.