CVE-2023-51962

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on Tenda AX1803 routers by exploiting a stack overflow in the setIptvInfo function. Attackers can send specially crafted requests to the iptv.stb.mode parameter, potentially gaining full control of affected devices. This affects users running vulnerable firmware versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Tenda AX1803
Versions: v1.0.0.1
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux firmware
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects the web management interface. Devices with default configurations are vulnerable.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise 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 for DDoS attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict inbound filtering and network segmentation.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Routers are typically internet-facing devices, making them directly accessible to attackers.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers could exploit this if they gain network access, but external exploitation is more likely.

🎯 Exploit Status

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

The vulnerability is in a web interface function and requires no authentication. Public technical details exist.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: None found

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check Tenda website for firmware updates. 2. Download latest firmware. 3. Access router web interface. 4. Navigate to firmware upgrade section. 5. Upload and apply new firmware. 6. Reboot router.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable remote management

all

Prevent external access to router web interface

Network segmentation

all

Isolate router management interface from untrusted networks

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Replace affected devices with patched or alternative models
  • Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version in router web interface under System Status or About page

Check Version:

No CLI command - check via web interface at http://router_ip

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version is updated beyond v1.0.0.1

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to setIptvInfo endpoint
  • Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful exploitation

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual outbound connections from router
  • Traffic patterns suggesting device compromise

SIEM Query:

source_ip="router_ip" AND (uri_path="/goform/setIptvInfo" OR user_agent="malicious_payload")

🔗 References

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