CVE-2023-50992

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on Tenda i29 routers by exploiting a stack overflow in the setPing function's ip parameter. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices, potentially compromising network security. All users of Tenda i29 v1.0 V1.0.0.5 are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Tenda i29
Versions: v1.0 V1.0.0.5
Operating Systems: Embedded router firmware
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All devices running this specific firmware version are vulnerable by default.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device takeover leading to persistent backdoor installation, network traffic interception, lateral movement to other devices, and botnet recruitment.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify router settings, intercept traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if device is behind strict firewall rules and network segmentation prevents lateral movement.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Routers are typically internet-facing devices directly accessible from WAN interfaces.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers could exploit if they gain network access, but external exposure is more concerning.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: LOW

Public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub repository, making exploitation straightforward for attackers.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: http://tenda.com

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check Tenda website for firmware updates. 2. If update available, download and install via router admin interface. 3. Reboot router after installation.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable remote management

all

Prevent external access to router administration interface

Access router admin panel -> Advanced Settings -> Remote Management -> Disable

Network segmentation

all

Isolate router management interface from untrusted networks

Configure firewall rules to restrict access to router IP on port 80/443

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Replace affected router with updated model or 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 under System Status or Firmware Upgrade section

Check Version:

curl -s http://router-ip/status.cgi | grep firmware_version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version has changed from V1.0.0.5 to a newer version

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to setPing function
  • Multiple failed login attempts followed by setPing requests
  • Router configuration changes without authorized user action

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual outbound connections from router
  • Traffic patterns suggesting command and control communication
  • Port scanning originating from router

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND (uri="/goform/setPing" OR message="setPing")

🔗 References

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