CVE-2025-8178 Overview
CVE-2025-8178 is a heap-based buffer overflow [CWE-119] affecting Tenda AC10 routers running firmware version 16.03.10.13. The flaw resides in an unknown function within the /goform/RequestsProcessLaid endpoint. Attackers manipulate the device1D argument to overflow a heap buffer, corrupting adjacent memory structures. The issue is exploitable remotely over the network and requires only low-privilege access to the router's HTTP management interface. Public disclosure of the exploit details means defenders should treat exposed AC10 devices as immediate remediation targets.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low privileges can corrupt heap memory on Tenda AC10 routers, enabling potential code execution and full compromise of the device with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
Affected Products
- Tenda AC10 hardware router
- Tenda AC10 firmware version 16.03.10.13
- Deployments exposing the /goform/RequestsProcessLaid HTTP endpoint
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-26 - CVE-2025-8178 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-8178
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the web management interface of the Tenda AC10 router. The /goform/RequestsProcessLaid handler processes a device1D parameter without enforcing a length boundary before copying the value into a heap-allocated buffer. When an attacker supplies an oversized device1D value, the copy operation writes beyond the buffer's allocated region. This corrupts adjacent heap metadata and neighboring object data on the router's memory.
Successful exploitation can crash the device or, with carefully crafted payloads, redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled code. Because the affected component is the router itself, compromise grants control over network traffic transiting the device. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic scanning and weaponization.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing length validation on the device1D parameter inside the RequestsProcessLaid request handler. The handler trusts the caller-supplied length and copies the data directly into a fixed-size heap buffer. Tenda's firmware does not enforce bounds checks consistent with [CWE-119] guidance for buffer operations.
Attack Vector
An attacker reaches the vulnerable endpoint over the network by sending a crafted HTTP POST request to /goform/RequestsProcessLaid with an oversized device1D field. The attack requires authenticated low-privilege access to the management interface. Routers with management exposed to untrusted networks or with weak credentials are at higher risk. No user interaction is required, and the attack complexity is low.
The vulnerability is described in prose only because no verified proof-of-concept code is published in trusted sources. Technical detail is referenced in the VulDB entry #317592 and the third-party Yuque Documentation Resource.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-8178
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests targeting /goform/RequestsProcessLaid with abnormally long device1D parameter values
- Unexpected reboots, crashes, or httpd process restarts on Tenda AC10 routers
- Outbound connections from the router to unknown infrastructure following management plane access
- New or modified DNS, DHCP, or routing configuration on the device without administrator action
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router HTTP access logs and any upstream IDS/IPS for requests to /goform/RequestsProcessLaid containing oversized parameter payloads
- Alert on POST bodies exceeding expected size thresholds for Tenda management endpoints
- Baseline router behavior and flag deviations such as unscheduled restarts or configuration drift
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router syslog and HTTP management logs to a central SIEM for correlation
- Monitor for scanning activity targeting /goform/ URI patterns common to Tenda devices
- Track firmware versions across the fleet to identify devices still running 16.03.10.13
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-8178
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the Tenda AC10 web management interface to trusted internal management VLANs only
- Disable remote (WAN-side) administration on all AC10 devices
- Rotate administrator credentials and enforce strong, unique passwords on the management interface
- Inventory all AC10 devices running firmware 16.03.10.13 and prioritize them for replacement or isolation
Patch Information
No vendor advisory or patched firmware release is listed in the NVD references for CVE-2025-8178 at the time of publication. Administrators should monitor the Tenda Official Website for firmware updates addressing the RequestsProcessLaid handler. Until a fix is available, treat affected devices as exposed and apply compensating controls.
Workarounds
- Place affected routers behind an upstream firewall and block external access to TCP ports used for HTTP management
- Apply ACLs on the router itself to permit management access only from specific administrator IP addresses
- Replace end-of-support Tenda AC10 units with currently supported hardware where a firmware fix is unavailable
- Segment IoT and consumer-grade routers away from sensitive enterprise resources
# Example: restrict inbound management access using upstream firewall rules
# Block external HTTP/HTTPS to the router management interface
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 443 -j DROP
# Allow management only from a trusted admin subnet
iptables -I FORWARD -s 10.0.10.0/24 -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
