CVE-2023-39610 in Tapo C100
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
An issue in TP-Link Tapo C100 v1.1.15 Build 211130 Rel.15378n(4555) and before allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via supplying a crafted web request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39610 affects TP-Link Tapo C100 security cameras running firmware versions v1.1.15 Build 211130 Rel.15378n(4555) and earlier. This represents a significant security concern for IoT devices that are widely deployed in residential and small business environments for surveillance purposes. The affected device is part of TP-Link's Tapo line of smart home security cameras, which are commonly used for home monitoring and security applications. These devices typically connect to local networks and provide remote access capabilities through web interfaces, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to disrupt security operations.
The technical flaw manifests as a vulnerability in the web server component of the camera's firmware that fails to properly validate incoming HTTP requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web requests that, when processed by the device's web server, trigger unexpected behavior leading to a denial of service condition. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application layer, allowing malformed or specially crafted requests to bypass normal processing routines and cause the device to become unresponsive or crash entirely. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data can lead to system instability and operational disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can compromise the security posture of affected networks and environments. When a Tapo C100 camera becomes unavailable due to this DoS condition, it leaves users without surveillance coverage during critical periods, potentially creating security gaps in their monitoring systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, meaning attackers can trigger the DoS condition from outside the local network, potentially from the internet. This makes it a vector for widespread disruption, as the device's web interface is typically accessible over the internet for remote management purposes. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service," and represents a significant threat to availability in IoT security ecosystems where continuous monitoring is essential for security operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from TP-Link, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing the input validation issues. Network administrators should also implement firewall rules to restrict access to the device's web interface to trusted IP addresses only, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or malformed requests can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in IoT devices, particularly around input validation and resource management, as these devices often operate in unattended environments where system stability is paramount for security effectiveness. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities and establish incident response procedures for dealing with device availability issues in their security infrastructure.