CVE-2023-51101 in Tenda
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2023
Tenda W9 V1.0.0.7(4456)_CN was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the function formSetUplinkInfo.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51101 affects the Tenda W9 router model running firmware version V1.0.0.0.7(4456)_CN and represents a critical stack overflow condition within the formSetUplinkInfo function. This issue arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the router's memory stack. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted input is passed to the formSetUplinkInfo function, which lacks proper bounds checking and memory allocation safeguards.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of buffer operations within the router's web interface management system. When the affected router processes HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters through the formSetUplinkInfo function, the system fails to validate the length and content of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability manifests specifically during the configuration update process when the router attempts to set up uplink information through its web management interface.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and device integrity. An attacker could exploit this stack overflow by sending malicious HTTP requests to the router's web interface, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the device's command execution environment. The implications extend beyond simple denial of service, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, modify router configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. Network administrators may face unauthorized access to sensitive network parameters, including DNS settings, firewall rules, and other critical configuration data that could compromise the entire network perimeter.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for memory management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services, as it enables remote code execution through web-based attack vectors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in the router's web interface, which is typically accessible from external networks without proper authentication. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda, network segmentation to limit access to the router's management interface, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP requests targeting the affected function. Additionally, network administrators should disable unnecessary web management services and implement strict access controls to minimize exposure to this vulnerability.