CVE-2025-1099 in Tapo C500 V1 Wi-Fi Camera
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2025
The TP-Link Tapo C500 V1 and V2 are a pan-and-tilt outdoor Wi-Fi security cameras designed for comprehensive surveillance.
This vulnerability exists in Tapo C500 Wi-Fi camera due to hard-coded RSA private key embedded within the device firmware. An attacker with physical access could exploit this vulnerability to obtain cryptographic private keys which can then be used to perform impersonation, data decryption and man in the middle attacks on the targeted device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2025
The TP-Link Tapo C500 series represents a line of outdoor Wi-Fi security cameras that have been identified with a critical cryptographic vulnerability through CVE-2025-1099. These devices, available in both V1 and V2 firmware versions, are designed for comprehensive surveillance applications and are widely deployed in residential and commercial environments. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic security measures within the device firmware, specifically through the inclusion of a hard-coded RSA private key that should never be embedded in production devices. This flaw fundamentally compromises the security architecture of the surveillance system and creates significant risks for organizations relying on these devices for perimeter security and data protection.
The technical flaw manifests as a direct embedding of a hardcoded RSA private key within the firmware image of both V1 and V2 versions of the Tapo C500 camera. This represents a critical violation of cryptographic best practices and aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of insecure or weak cryptographic algorithms. The presence of such a hard-coded key means that any individual with physical access to the device can extract the private key through firmware analysis or direct device interrogation. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it eliminates the need for sophisticated network-based attacks, as the cryptographic materials are literally embedded within the device's software. The flaw essentially removes the device's ability to maintain secure communications and authentication, creating a persistent backdoor for attackers who can leverage the extracted keys for various malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access to the device itself. Once an attacker obtains the RSA private key, they can perform sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle operations against the device's communications, impersonate the camera in network traffic, and potentially decrypt sensitive data that should remain protected. This capability directly maps to several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1566 for credential access and T1041 for data encryption, as well as T1550 for use of stolen credentials and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for extended periods, as the hardcoded key remains unchanged across device updates and reboots. Organizations deploying these cameras face the risk of complete surveillance system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to live video feeds, manipulate device settings, and use the device as a pivot point for accessing other network resources.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires only physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security cameras are deployed in accessible locations. This access requirement significantly reduces the attack surface complexity compared to network-based attacks, as it eliminates the need for sophisticated reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. However, the implications are severe as the compromised device can be used to conduct surveillance operations against the organization's own network infrastructure, potentially serving as a persistent threat actor within the network environment. The vulnerability also represents a failure in secure development lifecycle practices, as proper key management and cryptographic implementation should have prevented such exposure. Organizations should immediately implement remediation measures including firmware updates where available, physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device access, and network segmentation to limit potential damage from compromised devices. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the critical importance of supply chain security and the need for manufacturers to implement proper cryptographic key management practices in IoT devices to prevent similar issues in other products.