CVE-2023-51970
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on Tenda AX1803 routers via a stack overflow in the formSetIptv function. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the iptv.stb.mode parameter. All users running the vulnerable firmware version are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tenda AX1803
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise leading to router takeover, credential theft, network traffic interception, and lateral movement to connected devices.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to install malware, create backdoors, or disrupt network services.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation isolates the router and external access is restricted.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is in a web interface function and requires no authentication. Public technical details are available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Tenda's official website for firmware updates. 2. Download the latest firmware for AX1803. 3. Log into router admin panel. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and install the new firmware. 6. Reboot the router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevent external access to the router's web interface
Network segmentation
allIsolate the router from critical internal networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace the router with a different model that receives security updates
- Implement strict firewall rules to block all external access to the router's management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin panel under System Status or Firmware Upgrade sectionCheck Version:
Login to router web interface and navigate to System Status pageVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is no longer v1.0.0.1 after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to formSetIptv endpoint
- Large payloads sent to iptv.stb.mode parameter
- Router crash or reboot logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with oversized iptv.stb.mode values
- Traffic to router management port from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source_ip=* AND dest_ip=router_ip AND http_uri CONTAINS 'formSetIptv' AND http_param CONTAINS 'iptv.stb.mode' AND http_param_size > 100