CVE-2023-38936 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A stack overflow vulnerability has been identified in Tenda AC series routers, potentially impacting various models.

Understanding CVE-2023-38936

This section will cover what CVE-2023-38936 entails and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-38936?

The vulnerability lies in the speed_dir parameter of the formSetSpeedWan function in Tenda AC series routers, leading to a stack overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38936

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or launch denial-of-service attacks on affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38936

Delve into the specifics of the CVE-2023-38936 vulnerability and its nuances.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from improper handling of input through the speed_dir parameter, causing a stack overflow in the routers' firmware.

Affected Systems and Versions

Impacted models include Tenda AC10 V1.0 V15.03.06.23, AC1206 V15.03.06.23, AC6 V2.0 V15.03.06.23, AC7 V1.0 V15.03.06.44, AC5 V1.0 V15.03.06.28, FH1203 V2.0.1.6, AC9 V3.0 V15.03.06.42_multi, and FH1205 V2.0.0.7(775).

Exploitation Mechanism

Cybercriminals can send crafted requests to the speed_dir parameter, triggering the stack overflow and potentially gaining control over the router.

Mitigation and Prevention

Explore strategies to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-38936 and safeguard vulnerable systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable WAN acceleration features that utilize the formSetSpeedWan function and apply vendor-supplied patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update router firmware, implement network segmentation, and monitor for suspicious activities to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the vendor's security advisory and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available to address the stack overflow vulnerability in Tenda AC series routers.