CVE-2023-51967 in AX1803
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
Tenda AX1803 v1.0.0.1 contains a stack overflow via the iptv.stb.port parameter in the function getIptvInfo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51967 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.port parameter within the getIptvInfo function. This flaw resides in the router's web interface handling mechanism where user-supplied input is processed without adequate validation or bounds checking. The stack overflow occurs when the device receives a specially crafted request containing an excessively long string in the iptv.stb.port parameter, causing the program to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the firmware's configuration handling routines. When the getIptvInfo function processes the iptv.stb.port parameter, it fails to implement proper buffer size verification before copying data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack memory segments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate input sanitization that violates fundamental security principles for embedded systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and device integrity. An unauthenticated remote attacker could exploit this condition to gain full control over the affected router, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, particularly in enterprise or residential gateway environments where these devices often serve as the primary network access point. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not require physical access or local network credentials to carry out attacks, making it particularly dangerous in exposed network environments.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-51967 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform privilege escalation and persistent access through command execution capabilities that result from the stack overflow. Network defenders should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that includes unpatched firmware components and weak authentication mechanisms commonly found in consumer-grade networking equipment. The vulnerability's presence in Tenda's AX1803 model indicates a pattern of insufficient security testing and code review processes that leave consumer devices exposed to well-known exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Tenda, which would contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected devices and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable parameter. Regular security audits of embedded device firmware should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and organizations should maintain updated inventories of all network-connected devices to ensure comprehensive patch management coverage. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure development practices and regular security assessments for embedded systems to prevent similar issues in future releases.