CVE-2023-24212
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-24212 is a critical stack overflow vulnerability in Tenda AX3 routers that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by sending specially crafted requests to the /goform/SetSysTimeCfg endpoint. This affects all users running vulnerable firmware versions of Tenda AX3 routers, potentially giving attackers full control of the device.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AX3
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the router leading to persistent backdoor installation, credential theft, network traffic interception, and lateral movement into connected devices.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify router settings, intercept traffic, or use the router as a pivot point for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Denial of service causing router reboot or instability if exploit attempts are blocked but not fully mitigated.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept code exists in GitHub repositories, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with basic skills.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: No official vendor advisory found
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Tenda's official website for firmware updates
2. If available, download the latest firmware
3. Access router admin interface
4. Navigate to firmware upgrade section
5. Upload and apply the new firmware
6. Wait for router to reboot
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to the router's web interface
Access router admin panel -> Advanced Settings -> Remote Management -> Disable
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from untrusted networks
Configure firewall rules to block external access to port 80/443 on router IP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected Tenda AX3 routers with different models from vendors with better security track records
- Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection specifically for router compromise indicators
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface. If version is V16.03.12.11 or earlier, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/goform/getStatus | grep version or check web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to a version later than V16.03.12.11📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple POST requests to /goform/SetSysTimeCfg with large payloads
- Router reboot events without user action
- Unusual configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router IP
- Traffic to known malicious IPs from router
- Port scanning originating from router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (uri="/goform/SetSysTimeCfg" OR event="reboot") | stats count by src_ip