CVE-2023-51962 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 setIptvInfo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51962 affects the Tenda AX1803 router firmware version 1.0.0.1 and represents a critical stack overflow condition that can be exploited through the iptv.stb.mode parameter within the setIptvInfo function. This flaw exists within the router's web interface handling mechanism where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed. The stack overflow vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted request containing an excessively long string value for the iptv.stb.mode parameter, causing the function to write beyond the allocated stack buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for networked devices. When the setIptvInfo function processes the malformed iptv.stb.mode parameter, the insufficient input validation causes the program to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting the return address and other critical function variables. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to redirect program execution flow, ultimately enabling them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers can manipulate input parameters to achieve unauthorized code execution on the target device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it can lead to complete network infiltration and persistent access to the affected router's network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoor access points. The stack overflow condition may also cause the router to crash and reboot, creating denial of service conditions that can disrupt network connectivity for all devices connected to the affected network. Given that many home and small office networks rely on such routers for internet connectivity, this vulnerability could affect a significant number of endpoints and create cascading security issues throughout connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51962 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 access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help prevent malformed requests from reaching the vulnerable function, though these measures should not be considered replacements for proper firmware updates. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other router models or firmware components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in embedded systems, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework for protecting network infrastructure components.