CVE-2026-38571 in N300
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2026
Cleartext storage and exposure of WPA2 credentials, and missing authentication on the rr/wr memory read/write commands, in the unauthenticated UART debug console of the Tenda N300 F3 (V603) allow a physically proximate attacker to obtain stored WPA2 credentials in cleartext and to read or write arbitrary memory via the serial console.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical security flaw in the Tenda N300 F3 (V603) wireless router that exposes sensitive network credentials through improper data handling and inadequate access controls. This issue stems from the implementation of an unauthenticated UART debug console that lacks proper authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by physically proximate adversaries. The presence of cleartext storage of WPA2 credentials within the device's memory system constitutes a fundamental failure in cryptographic security practices, as it violates established principles of credential protection and data confidentiality.
The technical implementation flaw manifests through two primary vectors that compound the severity of the vulnerability. First, the cleartext storage of WPA2 credentials directly exposes authentication secrets to any attacker with access to the device's memory structures. This represents a direct violation of security best practices outlined in cwe-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. Second, the missing authentication on read/write memory commands creates an unrestricted memory manipulation capability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or extract sensitive data from the device's operational memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's memory operations and network configuration parameters. An attacker with physical access to the device can leverage these capabilities to not only obtain stored wireless network credentials but also to modify firmware, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation through memory manipulation.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that it requires only physical proximity to the device, making it accessible to attackers in environments where such access might be possible. The combination of cleartext credential storage and unauthenticated memory access creates a perfect storm for network compromise, as attackers can immediately leverage obtained credentials to gain unauthorized access to protected networks while simultaneously having complete control over the device's operational parameters. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure device design principles and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper authentication mechanisms for all device interfaces, particularly those that provide low-level system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaws and implement comprehensive access controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to device interfaces. Device manufacturers should implement mandatory authentication for all debug interfaces, employ encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive credentials, and establish robust access control policies that prevent unauthorized memory manipulation. The solution approach must incorporate principles from both CWE-312 and CWE-287, which address cleartext data exposure and authentication failures respectively, to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.