CVE-2025-15216

8.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Tenda AC23 routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the bindnum parameter in the SetIpMacBind function. This affects Tenda AC23 routers running firmware version 16.03.07.52. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to potentially take full control of affected devices.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Tenda AC23
Versions: 16.03.07.52
Operating Systems: Embedded router firmware
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects the web management interface's SetIpMacBind functionality. No special configuration required for exploitation.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, enabling attackers to intercept network traffic, install malware, pivot to internal networks, or create persistent backdoors.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution resulting in device takeover, allowing attackers to modify router settings, intercept traffic, or use the device as part of a botnet.

🟢

If Mitigated

Denial of service if exploit fails or is blocked by network controls, but device remains vulnerable to skilled attackers.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication, making internet-facing devices immediate targets.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Even internally, the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited by any network user.

🎯 Exploit Status

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

Public exploit details are available, making this easily weaponizable. The vulnerability requires no authentication and has straightforward exploitation.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: https://www.tenda.com.cn/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check Tenda's official website for firmware updates. 2. Download the latest firmware for AC23. 3. Log into router admin interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and install the new firmware. 6. Reboot the router.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable remote management

all

Prevent external access to the router's web interface

Network segmentation

all

Isolate AC23 routers from critical networks

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Replace affected routers with different models or brands
  • Implement strict network access controls to limit traffic to router management interface

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check router firmware version in web interface: System Status > Firmware Version. If version is 16.03.07.52, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

curl -s http://router-ip/goform/getStatus | grep version

Verify Fix Applied:

After firmware update, verify version is no longer 16.03.07.52. Test SetIpMacBind functionality with malformed bindnum values.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Multiple POST requests to /goform/SetIpMacBind with abnormal bindnum values
  • Router crash/reboot logs

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual traffic patterns to router management interface
  • Exploit payloads in HTTP POST data

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND (uri="/goform/SetIpMacBind" AND (bindnum>100 OR bindnum<0))

🔗 References

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