CVE-2023-46543 in X2000R Gh
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
TOTOLINK X2000R Gh v1.0.0-B20230221.0948.web was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function formWlSiteSurvey.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46543 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the TOTOLINK X2000R Gh v1.0.0-B20230221.0948 firmware version. This issue manifests specifically through the formWlSiteSurvey function, which processes wireless site survey data within the router's web interface. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters passed to this function, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation and potentially execute arbitrary code. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in network infrastructure devices as they can provide attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to the underlying system. The affected device operates as a wireless router with web-based management capabilities, making it susceptible to remote exploitation through crafted HTTP requests that target the vulnerable function.
The technical exploitation of this stack overflow vulnerability follows established patterns described in CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. When the formWlSiteSurvey function processes user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, it allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, potentially enabling code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability's remote nature means that an attacker does not require physical access or local network credentials to exploit the issue, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and residential network deployments. The specific function name suggests this relates to wireless network scanning operations, indicating that the vulnerability may be triggered through legitimate administrative functions that could be accessed via the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish persistent access points, or use the device as a pivot for attacking other systems within the local network. The router's role as a central networking device means that compromise of this device can effectively provide attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration. Organizations utilizing TOTOLINK X2000R Gh devices may face significant security risks including data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, and potential use as a command and control server for other malware. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade router also means that many users may be unaware of the compromise, leading to prolonged exposure periods. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting, as the compromised device could be used for both execution and data collection activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46543 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK, as vendors typically release patches addressing such memory corruption vulnerabilities. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of device compromise and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. The affected devices should be isolated from critical network segments until patches are applied, and all administrative access should be secured with strong authentication mechanisms. Regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized changes have occurred to device configurations or network access controls. Additionally, network monitoring should focus on identifying unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the web management interface ports. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies to restrict which devices can access the router's management interface, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security validation and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors.