CVE-2023-51952 in AX1803
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
Tenda AX1803 v1.0.0.1 contains a stack overflow via the adv.iptv.stbpvid parameter in the function formSetIptv.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51952 affects the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1, representing a critical stack overflow condition that stems from improper input validation within the web interface handling mechanism. This issue manifests specifically through the adv.iptv.stbpvid parameter when processed by the formSetIptv function, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution and system compromise. The flaw resides in the router's management interface where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized before being passed to stack-based functions, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation patterns and potentially overwrite critical program execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. The adv.iptv.stbpvid parameter serves as the attack vector where an attacker can supply excessive input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the formSetIptv function. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input length validation and bounds checking, where the firmware fails to properly validate the size of the incoming parameter before processing it through stack operations. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses and potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for unpatched devices deployed in residential or small business environments. The attack surface extends to any user who can access the router's web management interface, which typically requires only basic network connectivity. This vulnerability can be leveraged for various malicious activities including but not limited to unauthorized access to network resources, data exfiltration, installation of persistent backdoors, and potential use as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The impact is amplified by the fact that many users may not regularly update their router firmware, leaving these devices vulnerable for extended periods.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-51952 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective solution to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of these devices to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed parameter submissions targeting known vulnerable functions. Organizations should also establish firmware update policies that ensure all network devices receive timely security patches and consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network equipment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints often lead to insufficient security controls. This case highlights the ATT&CK technique of T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the web interface.