CVE-2023-44447 in TL-WR902AC
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
TP-Link TL-WR902AC loginFs Improper Authentication Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of TP-Link TL-WR902AC routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the httpd service, which listens on TCP port 80 by default. The issue results from improper authentication. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Was ZDI-CAN-21529.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The CVE-2023-44447 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in TP-Link TL-WR902AC routers that exposes sensitive system information without requiring any credentials or authentication. This vulnerability resides within the httpd service component that operates on the standard TCP port 80, making it accessible to network-adjacent attackers who can exploit it directly from the local network segment. The flaw stems from improper handling of authentication information within the loginFs functionality, which creates an information disclosure channel that bypasses normal security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as the compromised system could be used for further attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the httpd service that serves web content and administrative interfaces on port 80. Attackers can access stored credentials and sensitive configuration data without providing any authentication details, effectively undermining the router's security model. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with access to administrative credentials that could enable full router compromise. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the router's authentication architecture, where the system fails to properly validate access requests before granting access to sensitive information. The absence of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any network-adjacent attacker who can reach the router's web interface, potentially including malicious actors within the same local network segment.
The operational implications of CVE-2023-44447 are severe for organizations and individuals using affected TP-Link routers, as it creates an immediate path to router compromise and potential network infiltration. Once attackers gain access to the stored credentials, they can modify router configurations, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems on the network. The vulnerability's accessibility without authentication means that even basic network reconnaissance can reveal the presence of vulnerable devices, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with minimal technical skills. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where unpatched network devices could serve as entry points for lateral movement and persistent access. The compromise of router credentials can also lead to more sophisticated attacks including DNS hijacking, traffic interception, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation strategies to isolate critical systems from potentially compromised router devices while applying firmware updates from TP-Link as soon as they become available. Network monitoring should include detection of unauthorized access attempts to port 80 on router devices, and security teams should conduct comprehensive network scans to identify all affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should include testing for similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices, as this flaw represents a common pattern in embedded system security implementations that affects numerous network devices from various manufacturers.