CVE-2022-41540 in AX10v1
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2022
The web app client of TP-Link AX10v1 V1_211117 uses hard-coded cryptographic keys when communicating with the router. Attackers who are able to intercept the communications between the web client and router through a man-in-the-middle attack can then obtain the sequence key via a brute-force attack, and access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41540 affects the TP-Link AX10v1 V1_211117 router's web application client implementation, representing a critical weakness in the device's cryptographic security framework. This issue stems from the improper implementation of secure communication protocols where the web client utilizes hard-coded cryptographic keys for establishing encrypted connections with the router. The presence of such static keys fundamentally undermines the security model of the device, creating a predictable and exploitable weakness that adversaries can leverage to compromise the system's integrity.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of hardcoded cryptographic material within the web client application, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in cwe-310 and cwe-320. When attackers intercept communication traffic between the web client and router through man-in-the-middle attacks, they gain access to the encrypted data streams that should normally be protected by dynamic key exchange mechanisms. The hard-coded nature of these keys means that the cryptographic sequence key can be recovered through brute-force attacks, eliminating the need for complex cryptographic attacks or sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability specifically impacts the router's web interface authentication and data transmission processes, where the static keys are embedded within the client-side application code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive router configuration data, user credentials, and network management functions. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework under tactics such as credential access and defense evasion, as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the web application interface that network administrators typically use for configuration and management, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and modify router settings. The combination of man-in-the-middle capabilities and brute-force key recovery creates a multi-stage attack vector that can be executed with relatively low technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41540 should focus on immediate remediation of the hardcoded cryptographic keys within the web client application, requiring TP-Link to implement dynamic key generation and proper key exchange protocols. Network administrators should deploy network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks targeting the router's web interface. The implementation of additional security controls such as ssl pinning, network access controls, and regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic analysis tools to monitor for unusual communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the dangers of embedding static keys within client applications, as outlined in industry best practices for secure software development and network security protocols.