Tenda W12 CVE-2026-10188: Critical Buffer Overflow Exposes Routers
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-10188, a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability impacting Tenda W12 3.0.0.7(4763) routers. This flaw resides in the cgistaKickOff function within the /bin/httpd file. A remote attacker can trigger the overflow by manipulating the staMac argument, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or denial of service.
With a CVSSv3.1 score of 8.8 (HIGH), the exploit has been publicly released, drastically lowering the bar for attackers. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a critical remote attack vector that demands immediate attention. The widespread use of consumer-grade routers like the Tenda W12 in SMBs and home networks means a significant attack surface is now exposed to opportunistic threats.
Attackers will leverage this vulnerability to gain initial access, establish persistence, or pivot deeper into networks. For defenders, this means any Tenda W12 router running the affected firmware version is a ticking time bomb. Expect to see this integrated into botnets or used for targeted reconnaissance and initial access operations.
What This Means For You
- If your organization or remote workforce uses Tenda W12 3.0.0.7(4763) routers, you need to isolate them immediately. There is no patch available yet, so the only viable mitigation is to remove these devices from critical networks or replace them. Audit your network for any exposed Tenda W12 devices and monitor for unusual traffic patterns originating from them.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2026-10188: Tenda W12 cgistaKickOff Stack Buffer Overflow Attempt
title: CVE-2026-10188: Tenda W12 cgistaKickOff Stack Buffer Overflow Attempt
id: scw-2026-05-31-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects attempts to exploit CVE-2026-10188 by targeting the cgistaKickOff function in Tenda W12 routers. The exploit involves manipulating the 'staMac' parameter in a GET request to the /bin/httpd binary, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow. This rule specifically looks for the vulnerable path and parameter, indicating an active exploit attempt.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-31
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-10188/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri-contains:
- '/bin/httpd'
cs-uri-query|contains:
- 'staMac='
cs-method:
- 'GET'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-10188 | Buffer Overflow | Tenda W12 3.0.0.7(4763) |
| CVE-2026-10188 | Buffer Overflow | CWE-121 |
| CVE-2026-10188 | Buffer Overflow | Vulnerable function: cgistaKickOff in /bin/httpd |
| CVE-2026-10188 | Buffer Overflow | Vulnerable argument: staMac |
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 31, 2026 at 18:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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