TP-Link Archer C20/Archer MR200/TL-WR845N/TL-WR850N password hard-coded credentials

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as very critical was found in TP-Link Archer C20, Archer MR200, TL-WR845N and TL-WR850N. This affects an unknown part of the file Password. Executing a manipulation can lead to hard-coded credentials. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-12001. The attack can be launched remotely. No exploit exists.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as very critical was found in TP-Link Archer C20, Archer MR200, TL-WR845N and TL-WR850N (version unknown). This vulnerability affects an unknown function of the file password. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a hard-coded credentials vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-798. The product contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key, which it uses for its own inbound authentication, outbound communication to external components, or encryption of internal data. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

A hardcoded credential vulnerability exists in the firmware of multiple TP-Link routers (TL-WR845N v4, TL-WR850N v3, Archer C20 v6 & Archer MR200 v5).  Authentication-related credential material is embedded within a password file in the firmware image and may be recovered through firmware analysis. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to privileged functions on affected devices.

The advisory is shared for download at tp-link.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-12001 since 06/11/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 07/27/2026). The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1110.001.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Router Operating System

Vendor

• TP-Link

Name

• Archer C20
• Archer MR200
• TL-WR845N
• TL-WR850N

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.tp-link.com/

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