CVE-2023-49257 is a high severity flaw, scored 8.8, in the Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP router: an authenticated user can upload a CGI-compatible file with the certificate upload utility and run it as root. Builds before 2310271149 are affected. Update to that build or later.
What's affected
The record says an authenticated user can upload an arbitrary CGI-compatible file with the certificate upload utility and run it with root privileges. The NVD vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The record lists the weakness as CWE-732, incorrect permission assignment for a critical resource. Hongdian's fix is build 2310271149. CERT Polska's advisory says all builds before 2310271149 are affected, that the vendor removed the vulnerabilities in that build, and that the reporter confirmed the fix.
How to check if you're exposed
The advisory gives the cutoff as a firmware build number, so the job is to read the build off the device. Sign in to the router's management page and look at the system or firmware information screen. The exact menu name can differ, so use the vendor's documentation if you cannot find it. Compare what you see with 2310271149.
If you manage many units, record the build for each one in your asset list. Anything earlier than 2310271149 is in the affected range. There is no package manager command for this, because the software ships as part of the device firmware.
What to do now
- List every Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP router you run and read its firmware build.
- Update any unit earlier than build 2310271149 using the firmware from Hongdian. The CERT Polska advisory lists no workarounds, so the update is the remedy.
- Take the management interface off the public internet and off untrusted networks while you work through the fleet.
- Change credentials and any passwords stored in router configuration backups after the update, since several of these issues involve exposed credentials or secrets.
- Add the model to your inventory so future advisories match it automatically.
Why it matters
CERT Polska's table describes the same issue as a dangerous file upload, CWE-434, so the sources label the weakness differently. Both point at the same behavior: a feature meant for certificates will store a file that the web server can then execute.
Upload features are safest when they accept only the expected file type, store it where the web server will not execute it, and run with the least privilege. When the server runs as root and treats uploads as runnable programs, one authenticated request becomes full device control.
This CVE is one of ten that CERT Polska published together for the same router on 12 January 2024. Patching for one means patching for all of them, which is why the single fixed build matters more than any individual score.
Quick check
The record and the advisory name different weakness types. Which is right?
Both describe one flaw from different angles. NVD uses CWE-732 for the permissions problem and CERT Polska uses CWE-434 for the unrestricted upload. The fix is the same build.
Does the advisory offer a workaround instead of the update?
No. The CERT Polska page lists no workarounds and names the update to build 2310271149 or later as the remedy.
Sources
CERT Polska: Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP, CVE-2023-49253 to CVE-2023-49262
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
