CVE-2021-20154 in AC2600 TEW-827DRU
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2021
Trendnet AC2600 TEW-827DRU version 2.08B01 contains an security flaw in the web interface. HTTPS is not enabled on the device by default. This results in cleartext transmission of sensitive information such as passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20154 affects Trendnet AC2600 TEW-827DRU wireless router model running firmware version 2.08B01. This security flaw resides within the device's web interface configuration and represents a critical weakness in the network appliance's default security posture. The issue stems from the absence of HTTPS encryption by default, which creates a significant exposure in the device's communication channels. This default configuration fails to establish secure communication paths for administrative access and sensitive data transmission, leaving users vulnerable to various cyber threats.
The technical implementation flaw manifests as a failure to enable Transport Layer Security encryption for web-based management interfaces. When administrators or users access the router's web configuration portal, all transmitted data including login credentials, configuration parameters, and sensitive network settings are sent in cleartext over the network. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which describes the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission over networks, and aligns with CWE-310, addressing cryptographic weaknesses in network communications. The absence of HTTPS enforcement creates a pathway for attackers to intercept and manipulate administrative sessions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the device's configuration and network controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables comprehensive network compromise through multiple attack vectors. An attacker positioned within the same network segment or capable of performing man-in-the-middle attacks can easily capture administrative login sessions, passwords, and configuration data. This exposure violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol communication over unencrypted channels. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a backdoor to the network infrastructure, allowing them to modify router settings, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-20154 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Trendnet to address the default configuration issue. Network administrators must ensure that HTTPS is enabled and properly configured for all administrative access points, implementing strong encryption protocols and certificate management. The solution approach should incorporate network segmentation practices and additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring tools to detect and alert on cleartext traffic patterns and unauthorized administrative access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of encryption protocol enforcement, ensuring that all network devices maintain proper security configurations as defined by industry standards including ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53.