CVE-2020-37097 in EW-7438RPn Mini
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2026
Edimax EW-7438RPn 1.13 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that exposes WiFi network configuration details through the wlencrypt_wiz.asp file. Attackers can access the script to retrieve sensitive information including WiFi network name and plaintext password stored in device configuration variables.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
The CVE-2020-37097 vulnerability affects Edimax EW-7438RPn wireless routers running firmware version 1.13, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that compromises the security of wireless network configurations. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the device and specifically targets the wlencrypt_wiz.asp file, which serves as a configuration wizard interface for wireless encryption settings. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to directly access sensitive network configuration data through a simple HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint, bypassing any authentication mechanisms that should normally protect such critical system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls and insufficient input validation within the web application framework of the router's firmware. The wlencrypt_wiz.asp file contains hardcoded configuration variables that store both the SSID and plaintext wireless password in a manner that does not adequately protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices and demonstrates poor separation of concerns between the user interface and backend configuration management. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically manifests as an information disclosure weakness that violates the principle of least privilege in system design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information exposure, as it provides attackers with complete wireless network credentials that can be immediately exploited to gain unauthorized access to the network. Once an attacker obtains the plaintext password and SSID, they can establish connections to the wireless network, potentially enabling further attacks such as man-in-the-middle exploitation, credential theft from connected devices, or use of the network as a launch point for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The exposure of plaintext credentials violates industry security standards and best practices established by organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive authentication data in network devices. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves network service scanning, and T1075, which covers credential access through the exploitation of weak or default credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-37097 should begin with immediate firmware updates from Edimax to address the root cause of the vulnerability, as the manufacturer has likely released patches to correct the improper access controls. Network administrators should implement additional defensive measures including disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, restricting access to the router's administrative portals through firewall rules, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of network device security monitoring and regular vulnerability assessments, particularly for legacy network equipment that may not receive regular security updates. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control solutions and monitoring for suspicious wireless network activity that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The incident underscores the critical need for manufacturers to implement proper secure coding practices and conduct thorough security testing before releasing network devices to the market, as this vulnerability represents a preventable flaw in basic security architecture.