Description
TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_200909 and TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_190219 was discovered to contain a hardcoded password for the root account which can be obtained by analyzing downloaded firmware or via a brute force attack through physical access to the router.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-5279
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-5279 pertains to the TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_200909 and TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_190219 firmware versions of the TP-Link TL-WR845N router. The presence of a hardcoded password for the root account significantly compromises the security of these devices. The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level. This high score is due to the ease of exploitation (low attack complexity), the lack of required privileges or user interaction, and the severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
- Firmware Analysis: Attackers can download the firmware and analyze it to extract the hardcoded password. This method requires technical expertise but is feasible for skilled adversaries.
- Brute Force Attack: With physical access to the router, attackers can perform a brute force attack to discover the hardcoded password. This method is more time-consuming but still effective.
- Network Exploitation: Given the network attack vector (AV:N), attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely if the router's management interface is exposed to the internet. This can lead to unauthorized access and control over the device.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The affected systems are TP-Link TL-WR845N routers running the following firmware versions:
- TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_200909
- TL-WR845N(UN)_V4_190219
These versions contain the hardcoded password vulnerability, making them susceptible to unauthorized access.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
- Firmware Update: Immediately update the router firmware to a version that addresses this vulnerability. TP-Link should release a patched firmware version as soon as possible.
- Access Control: Restrict physical access to the router to prevent brute force attacks.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate the router's management interface from the public internet to limit remote exploitation.
- Monitoring and Logging: Implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
- Password Management: Change the default passwords and ensure strong, unique passwords are used for all accounts.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The presence of hardcoded passwords in widely used consumer routers poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape. Unauthorized access to these devices can lead to:
- Data Breaches: Compromise of sensitive information.
- Network Compromise: Attackers can use compromised routers as entry points to infiltrate larger networks.
- Botnet Recruitment: Routers can be recruited into botnets for DDoS attacks or other malicious activities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR, leading to potential legal and financial repercussions.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Identification: The vulnerability is identified by CVE-2024-57040 and GHSA-mjhr-3845-j2r5.
- Firmware Analysis: Security professionals can use tools like Binwalk, Ghidra, or IDA Pro to analyze the firmware and identify the hardcoded password.
- Mitigation Steps:
- Firmware Update: Ensure that the latest firmware is installed. Verify the integrity of the firmware using checksums provided by the vendor.
- Network Configuration: Configure the router to disable remote management and ensure that the management interface is not exposed to the internet.
- Intrusion Detection: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activities related to this vulnerability.
- User Education: Educate users on the importance of updating firmware and using strong passwords.
Conclusion
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-5279 is critical and requires immediate attention from both vendors and users. Mitigation strategies should focus on updating firmware, restricting access, and implementing robust monitoring and logging mechanisms. The European cybersecurity landscape must address such vulnerabilities proactively to prevent widespread compromises and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
References
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview for cybersecurity professionals to understand and mitigate the risks associated with EUVD-2025-5279.