CVE-2023-51955 in AX1803
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
Tenda AX1803 v1.0.0.1 contains a stack overflow via the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter in the function formSetIptv.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-51955 represents a critical stack overflow flaw discovered in the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1. This issue manifests through the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter within the formSetIptv function, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly validate input parameters, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted requests that overwrite stack memory regions. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of robust parameter validation in network device firmware.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking or input length validation. When an attacker submits a malformed request containing an excessively long string in this parameter, the device's formSetIptv function fails to handle the overflow gracefully, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw resides in the firmware's handling of user-supplied input within the router's web interface, making it accessible through standard network protocols and potentially exploitable from outside the local network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can enable complete compromise of the affected router. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to persistent backdoor access, network traffic interception, or use of the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where routers serve as critical network infrastructure components. The attack surface is further expanded due to the web-based interface nature of the vulnerability, which means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or specialized equipment to exploit the flaw. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1219, which covers legitimate remote services such as web interfaces that can be used for initial access and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51955 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces, particularly limiting access to only trusted administrative networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual traffic patterns or malformed requests targeting the affected parameter can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of firmware security testing and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those with web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit known buffer overflow vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices. Regular security assessments of network equipment, including firmware version checks and vulnerability scanning, are essential to maintain defense in depth against similar threats. The issue underscores the need for secure coding practices and proper input validation in firmware development, particularly for parameters that are directly exposed through web interfaces and API endpoints.