CVE-2025-15162: Deep Dive into a High-Risk Tenda WH450 Router Vulnerability

CyberDefender 6 mins0

CVE-2025-15162 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting the Tenda WH450 router running firmware v1.0.0.18. The flaw exists in the router’s web management interface and can allow a remote, authenticated attacker to crash the device or potentially achieve remote code execution (RCE).

Given the prevalence of consumer and SOHO routers as network edge devices, vulnerabilities like this represent a significant security risk, particularly when administrative interfaces are exposed or poorly protected.

Vulnerability Overview

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-15162
  • Severity: High
  • Affected Device: Tenda WH450
  • Affected Firmware: 1.0.0.18
  • Vulnerability Class: Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Authentication Required: Yes (administrator access)

The vulnerability is documented and tracked by the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and has been assigned high CVSS scores under both v3.1 and v4.0 scoring systems.

Technical Breakdown

Root Cause

The issue resides in the router’s HTTP endpoint:

/goform/RouteStatic

This endpoint processes user-supplied input related to static routing configuration. Due to insufficient bounds checking, crafted input can overflow a stack buffer, corrupting memory.

Weakness Classification

  • CWE-121: Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
  • CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer

This indicates unsafe handling of input data, a common issue in embedded C/C++ firmware.

Exploitation Scenario

While the attacker must have administrative access, this requirement does not significantly reduce real-world risk:

  • Many routers retain default or weak credentials
  • Admin interfaces are often exposed on local networks
  • In some cases, remote management is enabled over WAN

Once authenticated, an attacker can send a malicious request to the vulnerable endpoint, resulting in:

  • Router crash (Denial of Service)
  • Memory corruption
  • Potential execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges

Public proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit details have been disclosed, further increasing the exploitability of this vulnerability.

Impact Assessment

Successful exploitation may allow an attacker to:

  • Disrupt network connectivity
  • Modify routing and firewall rules
  • Intercept or redirect traffic (MITM scenarios)
  • Establish persistence on the router
  • Use the compromised device as a pivot point into internal networks

From a defensive standpoint, router compromise is especially dangerous because it undermines all downstream security controls.

CVSS Severity

MetricScoreSeverity
CVSS v3.1~7.2High
CVSS v4.0~7.3–8.6High
CVSS v2.0~8.3High

The scores reflect high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a network-based attack vector.

Detection & Indicators

Security teams and administrators should monitor for:

  • Suspicious HTTP POST requests to /goform/RouteStatic
  • Unexpected router reboots or instability
  • Unauthorized changes to routing configuration
  • Abnormal outbound traffic patterns

Logging on consumer routers is often limited, making preventive controls critical.

Mitigation & Hardening Guidance

1. Firmware Updates

Check for and apply any updated firmware released by Tenda that addresses CVE-2025-15162.

2. Lock Down Management Access

  • Disable WAN/remote administration
  • Restrict admin UI access to trusted IP ranges
  • Enforce strong, unique admin passwords

3. Network Segmentation

Place consumer routers behind upstream firewalls when possible and avoid using them as exposed edge devices in business environments.

4. Replace End-of-Life Hardware

If security updates are unavailable, device replacement is the safest long-term option.

Why This Vulnerability Matters

CVE-2025-15162 highlights a recurring issue in embedded networking devices:

  • Legacy C code with unsafe memory handling
  • Limited security testing
  • Slow or inconsistent patch availability

Routers remain high-value targets because compromising one device can compromise an entire network. The presence of public exploit research makes timely remediation especially important.

Final Thoughts

If you operate or manage Tenda WH450 routers, assume exposure until proven otherwise. Patch aggressively, restrict access, and reconsider the security posture of consumer-grade networking equipment in sensitive environments.

For security researchers and defenders, CVE-2025-15162 is another reminder that edge devices deserve the same scrutiny as servers and endpoints.

CyberDefender