TP-Link TL-WR841N dropbearpwd Improper Authentication Information Disclosure Vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of TP-Link TL-WR841N routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the httpd service, which listens on TCP port 80 by default. The issue results from improper authentication, allowing attackers to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects a confidentiality impact rated as high, while integrity and availability impacts are rated as none. Given the potential for credential disclosure, organizations must address this vulnerability as part of their security hygiene.
Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit or proof of concept available. However, the vulnerability has been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its significance and the urgency for organizations to take action. Users of the affected TP-Link TL-WR841N router should ensure they are running the latest firmware to mitigate this risk.
The vulnerability was disclosed on May 3, 2024, and organizations are encouraged to review their configurations and deploy necessary updates as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question is categorized under CWE-290, which specifies improper authentication issues. The affected product is the TP-Link TL-WR841N, specifically the firmware version 3.16.9 (build_200409). This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive information without any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous.
The exploitability of this vulnerability is classified as critical, warranting immediate attention from organizations. Users should note that the potential for credential exposure could lead to unauthorized access to network devices and sensitive information.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the httpd service's improper authentication mechanism. This service, which handles web requests on TCP port 80, does not enforce adequate authentication checks, allowing attackers on the adjacent network to exploit this flaw. The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, indicating that an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability from a neighboring network.
The complexity of the attack is low, requiring no privileges or user interaction for successful exploitation. The confidentiality impact is rated as high due to the potential exposure of sensitive information, while integrity and availability impacts are rated as none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant. Attackers may leverage the disclosed credentials to further compromise the network, leading to unauthorized access to critical systems and data. Organizations utilizing affected TP-Link TL-WR841N routers face a heightened risk of data breaches and network infiltration.
The urgency for organizations is underscored by the vulnerability's inclusion in the KEV catalog, which highlights the likelihood of active exploitation. With a CVSS score of 6.5, this vulnerability should be prioritized in security patch cycles to mitigate potential impacts.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The specific version affected by this vulnerability is the TP-Link TL-WR841N firmware 3.16.9 (build_200409). Organizations using this version should take immediate action to patch or upgrade their devices. If version information is not available, all versions prior to the vendor patch should be considered vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by TP-Link. Users should refer to the official TP-Link support page for firmware updates. If patches are not available, organizations should consider discontinuing the use of affected products until a fix can be applied. Additional measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable devices and monitoring network traffic for any suspicious activity.
For further guidance, organizations may refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure, particularly in areas such as penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any indicators of unauthorized access attempts targeting the TP-Link TL-WR841N routers. Behavioral anomalies, such as unusual traffic patterns or access to sensitive areas of the network, should also be investigated. Additionally, network signatures can be set up to identify any exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The TP-Link TL-WR841N vulnerability represents a growing concern in network device security, particularly as more devices become interconnected within home and enterprise environments. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures for consumer-grade networking equipment.
Security teams should adopt a proactive approach by regularly auditing their network devices and ensuring timely updates to firmware. The incident with this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with improperly secured devices and the necessity for continuous security validation.
For further reading on best practices in penetration testing and vulnerability management, security teams may refer to the following resources: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and API penetration testing guide to strengthen device security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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