CVE-2025-12596 in AC23
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2025
A security vulnerability has been detected in Tenda AC23 16.03.07.52. Affected is the function saveParentControlInfo of the file /goform/saveParentControlInfo. Such manipulation of the argument Time leads to buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
This vulnerability exists within the Tenda AC23 router firmware version 16.03.07.52 where the saveParentControlInfo function in the /goform/saveParentControlInfo file fails to properly validate input parameters. The specific flaw occurs when processing the Time argument which allows for arbitrary data input without adequate bounds checking or sanitization measures. This function serves as an interface for parental control configuration settings within the router's web management interface, making it accessible through standard HTTP requests. The buffer overflow condition arises because the implementation does not enforce proper input length restrictions, enabling attackers to provide oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated memory buffer space. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient boundary checking permits memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions.
The remote exploitation capability of this vulnerability presents significant operational risks as it allows attackers to leverage the web interface without requiring physical access to the device or authentication credentials. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing oversized Time parameter values that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of remote code execution vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 which describes exploitation of remote services and T1059 which covers command and script injection. The attack vector specifically targets the router's web management interface, making it accessible over the network and allowing for widespread exploitation across networks where such vulnerable devices exist. The publicly disclosed exploit means that threat actors can immediately leverage this vulnerability without requiring advanced exploitation techniques or zero-day knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise as it affects network security posture and potentially exposes entire local networks to unauthorized access. Compromised routers can serve as entry points for lateral movement within networks, allowing attackers to pivot to connected devices and escalate privileges. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade router like the Tenda AC23 means that many home and small office networks may be exposed to these risks, particularly when such devices are configured with default settings or lack proper network segmentation. Organizations using these devices in their infrastructure may experience unauthorized network access, data interception, or complete network disruption. The exploitation could also enable attackers to modify parental control settings, potentially allowing unauthorized access to restricted content or services while simultaneously undermining the security controls that network administrators intended to implement.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda if available, though the public disclosure of the exploit suggests that such updates may already be released. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to internal networks, while disabling unnecessary services and ports where possible. Regular network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual requests to the /goform/saveParentControlInfo endpoint. Device hardening measures including disabling unused web management interfaces, changing default credentials, and implementing network access control lists can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network administrators should consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices, with particular attention to the specific function and endpoint mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should also conduct inventory assessments to identify all instances of this vulnerable firmware version and implement remediation plans to update or replace affected devices.