CVE-2023-25220
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a critical stack overflow vulnerability in Tenda AC5 routers via the add_white_node function. Attackers can exploit this to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code with high privileges. Users of affected Tenda AC5 router versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AC5
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with remote code execution, allowing attackers to take complete control of the router, intercept traffic, pivot to internal networks, or install persistent malware.
Likely Case
Router crash causing denial of service, disrupting network connectivity for all connected devices until manual reboot.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if router is behind firewall with restricted administrative access, though still vulnerable to internal threats.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept available on GitHub; exploitation requires network access to router's administrative interface.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dlink.com/en/security-bulletin/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check vendor advisory for updates. 2. If patch available, download from official Tenda/D-Link site. 3. Access router admin interface. 4. Upload and apply firmware update. 5. Reboot router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Administration
allPrevent external access to router administrative interface
Access router admin panel -> Advanced Settings -> Remote Management -> Disable
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface to trusted network segment
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with patched or different model
- Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under System Status or Firmware Update sectionCheck Version:
Login to router admin interface and navigate to System Status 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 router admin endpoints
- Multiple connection attempts to router management interface
- Router crash/reboot events in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to router port 80/443
- Exploit payload patterns in network traffic
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (url="*add_white_node*" OR event="crash" OR event="reboot")