CVE-2026-2870

8.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Tenda A21 routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the QoS configuration. This affects Tenda A21 routers running firmware version 1.0.0.0. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to potentially take full control of affected devices.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Tenda A21
Versions: 1.0.0.0
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux (router firmware)
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All devices running the vulnerable firmware version are affected regardless of configuration.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

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

🟠

Likely Case

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

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict inbound filtering, though internal network exposure remains a risk.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication and public exploit code exists.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Even internally, the vulnerability can be exploited by any network-adjacent attacker.

🎯 Exploit Status

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

Public exploit code is available on GitHub, making exploitation trivial for attackers with basic skills.

🛠️ 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 A21. 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 vulnerable interface by disabling remote administration features.

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate affected routers in separate network segments with strict firewall rules.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Replace affected devices with patched or different vendor equipment
  • Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure to the router's management interface

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check router firmware version via admin interface at System Status > Firmware Version. If version is 1.0.0.0, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Check via web interface or attempt to access http://router-ip/goform/formSetQosBand (though this could trigger exploitation)

Verify Fix Applied:

After updating firmware, verify the version has changed from 1.0.0.0 to a newer version.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to /goform/formSetQosBand
  • Router crash/reboot logs
  • Unusual outbound connections from router

Network Indicators:

  • HTTP POST requests to router IP on port 80/443 with abnormal payload sizes
  • Traffic patterns suggesting router compromise

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND (uri="/goform/formSetQosBand" OR message="buffer overflow" OR message="segmentation fault")

🔗 References

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