CVE-2023-50224 in TL-WR841N
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
TP-Link TL-WR841N dropbearpwd Improper Authentication Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of TP-Link TL-WR841N 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-19899.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2026
The CVE-2023-50224 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in TP-Link TL-WR841N routers that exposes sensitive credential information through the dropbearpwd component. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the httpd service running on TCP port 80, making it accessible to network-adjacent attackers without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the router's web interface implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues. The vulnerability's classification as a network-adjacent attack vector means that an attacker positioned within the same network segment can exploit this weakness without needing to establish a connection from an external network, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves exploiting the httpd service's improper handling of authentication requests within the dropbearpwd functionality. When an attacker sends specific requests to the router's web interface, the system fails to properly validate the authentication status of the requesting entity, allowing access to stored credentials and sensitive configuration data. This flaw essentially creates a backdoor within the router's administrative interface, enabling attackers to extract authentication information that could include administrative passwords, network credentials, and potentially other sensitive data stored within the device's memory. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any network-adjacent attacker who can reach the router's TCP port 80.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to network security infrastructure as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to router administrative functions. The disclosure of stored credentials creates opportunities for further compromise including complete router takeover, network traffic interception, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can use the stolen credentials to modify router configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage, as compromised credentials can be used to maintain access to the network infrastructure. Organizations may experience unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of network services, with the attack surface extending beyond the immediate router to encompass the entire network segment it serves.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected devices through official TP-Link firmware updates, which would address the improper authentication implementation within the httpd service. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the exposure of routers to unauthorized network segments, while firewall rules can be configured to restrict access to TCP port 80 from untrusted networks. Regular security audits should include verification of router firmware versions and authentication configurations to prevent exploitation. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns to router administrative interfaces and establish secure remote access protocols for router management. The vulnerability's classification as a low-privilege access issue means that even basic network access can lead to significant compromise, emphasizing the importance of network access controls and regular firmware updates to maintain security posture.