CVE-2023-51961 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 formGetIptv.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51961 affects the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter within the formGetIptv function. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the router's memory management structures. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory corruption flaw that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a crafted HTTP request containing an overly long adv.iptv.stballvlans parameter value to the affected router's web interface. The formGetIptv function processes this parameter without sufficient bounds checking, leading to a buffer overflow that can corrupt the stack memory layout. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with administrative privileges on the device. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. Once exploited, attackers can gain persistent access to the router's administrative interface, allowing them to modify network configurations, install malicious firmware, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade router like the Tenda AX1803 means that it could be exploited in home networks, small office environments, or even larger enterprise deployments where such devices are improperly secured. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the compromised device could be used to execute commands or scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51961 should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific stack overflow condition. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary services and ensuring proper access controls on router management interfaces can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management in embedded systems, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten 2021 category A05: Security Misconfiguration, where inadequate input sanitization leads to memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited for complete system compromise.