CVE-2023-50000 in W30E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2023
Tenda W30E V16.01.0.12(4843) was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function formResetMeshNode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50000 affects the Tenda W30E wireless router firmware version V16.01.0.12(4843) and represents a critical stack overflow condition that arises within the formResetMeshNode function. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation during function execution. The affected device operates under a mesh networking configuration where the formResetMeshNode function handles reset operations for mesh nodes within the network topology. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is processed without adequate bounds checking, creating an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This specific implementation falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121 which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is copied into a stack buffer without proper size validation. The attack surface is particularly concerning as mesh networking configurations often involve multiple interconnected devices that may be managed through centralized web interfaces, amplifying the potential impact of exploitation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious input parameters that will be processed by the vulnerable formResetMeshNode function. When the router receives a specially crafted HTTP request containing oversized data in parameters related to mesh node reset operations, the function fails to validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This condition creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where the attacker can overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data. The exploitation process typically involves sending a malformed HTTP POST request to the router's web management interface, specifically targeting the endpoint responsible for mesh node operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the device's network interface. The stack overflow condition can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or complete device compromise, depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation techniques employed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device instability to encompass potential network-wide security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure. In mesh network environments, where multiple devices maintain interconnected communication paths, a compromised router node can serve as a foothold for lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability affects not just the individual device but can potentially disrupt the entire mesh network topology by causing denial of service conditions or enabling attackers to manipulate routing decisions. Network administrators may experience complete loss of network management capabilities when the device becomes unstable due to the stack overflow condition. The vulnerability also poses risks to data confidentiality and integrity as attackers could potentially inject malicious code into the device's memory space or redirect network traffic through compromised mesh nodes. Organizations relying on Tenda W30E devices for network infrastructure may face significant operational disruptions and security exposures, particularly in environments where these devices are deployed in critical network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50000 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda to address the underlying stack overflow condition in the formResetMeshNode function. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and network monitoring tools can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual traffic patterns or malformed requests targeting the affected web interface. Device hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and restricting remote access to management interfaces should be enforced. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar conditions in other network infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to prevent unauthorized access to the affected device management interfaces. The remediation process requires careful coordination with device vendors to ensure firmware updates are properly deployed and validated, while maintaining network availability during the update process. Additionally, network administrators should establish incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of network activities for forensic analysis purposes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in embedded network devices, aligning with security best practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework for network infrastructure attacks.