CVE-2023-25212
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-25212 is a critical stack overflow vulnerability in Tenda AC5 routers that allows attackers to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code by sending a crafted payload to the fromSetWirelessRepeat function. This affects Tenda AC5 router users running vulnerable firmware versions. Attackers can potentially take full control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AC5 router
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing persistent remote access, network traffic interception, lateral movement to internal networks, and device bricking.
Likely Case
Router crash requiring physical reset, temporary network disruption, and potential credential theft if device is internet-facing.
If Mitigated
Limited to internal network disruption if properly segmented, with no critical data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public GitHub repository contains detailed analysis and proof-of-concept. Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP request to vulnerable endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Tenda website for firmware updates
2. Download latest firmware for AC5 model
3. Access router admin interface
4. Navigate to firmware upgrade section
5. Upload and apply new firmware
6. Wait for router to reboot
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wireless Repeater Function
allDisable the vulnerable fromSetWirelessRepeat functionality to prevent exploitation
Access router admin interface > Wireless Settings > Disable 'Repeater' or 'WISP' mode
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from untrusted networks
Configure firewall rules to restrict access to router admin interface (typically port 80/443)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace vulnerable router with supported model from different vendor
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface. If version is US_AC5V1.0RTL_V15.03.06.28 or earlier, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Access router web interface at http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 and check System Status or Firmware Version pageVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to a version later than US_AC5V1.0RTL_V15.03.06.28📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP POST requests to /goform/setWirelessRepeat
- Router crash/reboot logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic patterns indicating device compromise
- Port scanning originating from router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (uri="/goform/setWirelessRepeat" OR message="stack overflow" OR message="segmentation fault")