CVE-2025-14878: Tenda WH450 Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14878 Overview

A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been discovered in the Tenda WH450 wireless router firmware version 1.0.0.18. The vulnerability exists in the HTTP Request Handler component, specifically within the /goform/wirelessRestart endpoint. By manipulating the GO argument parameter, an unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit a stack-based buffer overflow in Tenda WH450 routers without authentication, potentially enabling complete device compromise. A public exploit has been released, increasing the risk of active exploitation.

Affected Products

• Tenda WH450 Firmware version 1.0.0.18
• Tenda WH450 Hardware Device
• Tenda WH450 Firmware (all versions potentially affected)

Discovery Timeline

• December 18, 2025 - CVE-2025-14878 published to NVD
• February 24, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14878

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the HTTP Request Handler component of the Tenda WH450 router firmware. When processing requests to the /goform/wirelessRestart endpoint, the firmware fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied input provided through the GO argument parameter. This improper bounds checking (CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated buffer on the stack.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability combined with no authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous. An attacker can remotely trigger the overflow without any user interaction or prior credentials, potentially achieving full control over the affected device's execution flow.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation in the /goform/wirelessRestart function when handling the GO parameter. The firmware copies user-supplied data into a fixed-size stack buffer without verifying that the input length does not exceed the buffer's capacity. This classic buffer overflow pattern allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory, including return addresses and saved registers.

Attack Vector

The attack can be performed remotely over the network by sending a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint. The attacker constructs a malicious request to /goform/wirelessRestart containing an oversized GO parameter value. When the vulnerable function processes this input, the excessive data overwrites critical stack structures.

The exploitation mechanism involves sending specially crafted HTTP POST requests to the device's web management interface. The GO argument is manipulated to include a payload that exceeds expected buffer boundaries. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to hijack program execution flow, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web service. For detailed technical analysis and proof-of-concept information, refer to the GitHub PoC for Tenda WH450.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14878

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP POST requests targeting /goform/wirelessRestart with abnormally large GO parameter values
• Unexpected device reboots or crashes without administrative action
• Web management interface becoming unresponsive after suspicious network activity
• Abnormal outbound network connections originating from the router

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP traffic to Tenda WH450 devices for requests to /goform/wirelessRestart with oversized parameters
• Implement network-based intrusion detection rules to flag HTTP requests containing excessively long GO argument values
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying buffer overflow exploitation attempts
• Analyze router logs for repeated failed requests or crashes associated with the wireless restart functionality

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on network firewalls and IDS/IPS systems monitoring traffic to IoT devices
• Establish baseline network behavior for Tenda routers to identify anomalous activity patterns
• Configure alerts for HTTP requests exceeding normal parameter lengths targeting router management interfaces
• Regularly review device stability and crash reports that may indicate exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14878

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the router's web management interface to trusted administrative hosts only
• Implement firewall rules to block external access to the /goform/ endpoint on affected devices
• Consider placing affected devices behind a VPN or segmented network with strict access controls
• Monitor Tenda's official channels for security updates and apply patches immediately when available

Patch Information

As of the last update on February 24, 2026, no official patch has been released by Tenda for this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor the Tenda Official Website for security advisories and firmware updates. Given the public availability of exploit information documented in VulDB #337369, implementing compensating controls is critical until an official fix is provided.

Workarounds

• Disable remote administration and restrict web interface access to the local LAN only
• Configure access control lists (ACLs) to limit which IP addresses can reach the management interface
• Consider network segmentation to isolate vulnerable IoT devices from critical infrastructure
• If device functionality permits, disable the wireless restart feature through alternative configuration methods

# Network segmentation example - restrict access to router management
# Add firewall rules to block external access to vulnerable endpoint
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s ! 192.168.1.0/24 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s ! 192.168.1.0/24 -j DROP

# Alternatively, use access control on upstream firewall
# Block all external access to /goform/ paths on Tenda devices