CVE-2023-51957 in AX1803
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
Tenda AX1803 v1.0.0.1 contains a stack overflow via the iptv.stb.mode parameter in the function formGetIptv.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51957 affects the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1, representing a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the iptv.stb.mode parameter within the formGetIptv function. This flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the firmware's web interface handling mechanism. When the router processes HTTP requests containing the iptv.stb.mode parameter, the formGetIptv function fails to properly validate or limit the length of input data, creating an exploitable condition where an attacker can supply excessive data that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the CWE Top 25 Most Dangerous Software Weaknesses.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to network security as it allows remote code execution without authentication requirements. An attacker can craft a malicious HTTP request containing an oversized iptv.stb.mode parameter to trigger the stack overflow, potentially gaining full control over the router's operating system. The impact extends beyond local network compromise as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through software exploitation, potentially enabling lateral movement and persistence within compromised networks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated through readily available penetration testing tools, making it attractive to both skilled and unskilled attackers. The affected Tenda AX1803 device represents a common consumer-grade router that typically operates in unsecured environments, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. Network administrators should prioritize immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by Tenda, as the vulnerability affects devices that may be exposed to the internet without proper network segmentation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices including input validation, buffer size checking, and proper memory management in embedded systems. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other firmware components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust security testing of embedded network devices and proper vulnerability disclosure processes to ensure timely remediation across affected vendor products.