CVE-2026-102813 in RE305
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2026
An authentication flaw exists in the password-recovery functionality of TP-Link RE305 V3. The verification-code interface allows an unauthenticated attacker on the same local network to trigger generation of an administrator password-reset verification code. Because the interface lacks an effective attempt counter or lockout mechanism and uses a predictable verification-code generation process, an attacker may obtain or brute-force the code and reset the administrator password.
Successful exploitation may allow an unauthenticated attacker on the local network to reset the administrator password and subsequently access privileged device-management functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability identified in TP-Link RE305 V3 represents a critical authentication bypass within the device's web-based management interface, specifically targeting the password-recovery mechanism. This flaw stems from fundamental design deficiencies in how the system handles credential reset requests for administrative accounts. The core issue lies in the verification-code generation process and its associated validation logic. When an administrator initiates a password recovery, the system generates a temporary code intended to verify the identity of the requester before allowing a new password to be set. However, this implementation fails to enforce strict access controls or rate-limiting measures that are standard for secure authentication workflows. Consequently, any user connected to the same local area network can interact with this endpoint without prior authentication, effectively treating a privileged administrative function as if it were public-facing.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability is characterized by two primary weaknesses: predictable code generation and the absence of brute-force protection mechanisms. The verification codes are not generated using cryptographically secure random number generators or sufficiently complex entropy sources, making them susceptible to prediction or exhaustive search attacks. Furthermore, the interface does implement an effective attempt counter or account lockout policy after a certain number of failed validation attempts. This lack of throttling allows an attacker to automate the process of guessing valid verification codes at high speed. By combining these two factors, an adversary can systematically iterate through possible code values until one is accepted by the server, thereby bypassing the intended security control designed to protect administrative credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it grants unauthenticated remote access to critical device management functions over a local network connection. Once an attacker successfully resets the administrator password using the brute-forced verification code, they gain full privileged access to the router's configuration interface. This level of control allows for extensive malicious activities including but not limited to modifying DNS settings to facilitate phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks, redirecting traffic through compromised nodes, disabling security features such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems, and potentially installing persistent malware on connected devices. Since many home routers serve as the primary gateway for entire households or small businesses, compromising this single device can lead to a widespread breach of network integrity and confidentiality.
In terms of industry-standard classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 Improper Authentication due to insufficient verification logic during password recovery processes. It also relates closely to CWE-307 Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts which explains the lack of lockout mechanisms that would otherwise mitigate brute-force attacks. From an offensive security perspective, such exploitation techniques are documented in MITRE ATT&CK framework under tactics involving Initial Access and Credential Access, specifically highlighting how attackers leverage weak authentication controls to gain footholds within trusted networks. The scenario exemplifies a common class of IoT vulnerabilities where convenience is prioritized over security during the design phase of user-facing interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve vendor-side software updates that address these fundamental flaws in the password-recovery module. TP-Link has released firmware patches that likely introduce stronger cryptographic methods for generating verification codes and implement rate-limiting or temporary account lockouts after a threshold of failed attempts to prevent automated brute-force attacks. Until such updates are applied, network administrators should consider isolating management interfaces from general user traffic if possible, although this is often difficult in standard home router configurations due to the integrated nature of Wi-Fi access points and routing functions. Users are strongly advised to update their device firmware immediately upon availability and ensure that default passwords have been replaced with strong, unique credentials to minimize the risk profile even if other attack vectors exist.