External risk intelligence

TP-Link Router File Disclosure Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-3035

A directory traversal vulnerability affects certain TP-Link routers, allowing unauthorized access to read arbitrary files. This flaw presents a business risk by potentially exposing sensitive information. The exploitation requires network access to the affected devices.

5Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Tp Link Tl Wr741nd Firmware

before 150312before 150310before 150317before 150302before 150304before 150316

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-3035

This CVE affects consumer-grade wireless routers. These devices are designed to act as internet edge gateways, and their management interfaces—where this vulnerability resides—are often reachable from the network, including potential exposure via the WAN/internet side in many standard residential and small office deployment configurations.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain TP-Link routers are susceptible to a directory traversal vulnerability. This flaw allows unauthorized access to read arbitrary files on the affected devices. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information.

  • Vulnerable TP-Link routers
  • Directory traversal flaw
  • Data disclosure risk

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A directory traversal vulnerability exists in several TP-Link router models, allowing unauthorized access to system files. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the device's login interface. This could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive information stored on the affected devices.

  • Network access to device required
  • Attacker sends malicious path string
  • Arbitrary files are read

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows attackers to read sensitive files on affected devices. The attackers could exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the device's login interface. This could expose information that attackers could use to further compromise systems or gain unauthorized access.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A directory traversal vulnerability exists in several TP-Link Archer devices, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files. This could expose sensitive information on affected systems, increasing business risk. The vulnerability resides in the management interface and can be exploited remotely.

  • Identify exposed devices.
  • Isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor firmware updates.
  • Verify successful updates.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What TP-Link devices are impacted by CVE-2015-3035 and which firmware versions are vulnerable?

Several TP-Link Archer router models, including the C5 (firmware prior to 150317), C7 (firmware prior to 150304), C8 (firmware prior to 150316), C9 (firmware prior to 150302), and TL-WDR series (TL-WDR3500, TL-WDR3600, TL-WDR4300, all firmware prior to 150302), as well as TL-WR740N and TL-WR741ND (firmware prior to 150312), and TL-WR841N and TL-WR841ND (firmware prior to 150310), are affected by this vulnerability. [cite:catalog]

What is CVE-2015-3035 and what weakness class does it fall under?

CVE-2015-3035 is a directory traversal vulnerability. This weakness, classified as CWE-22, allows an attacker to manipulate input to trick the software into accessing files and directories outside of its intended scope, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure. [cite:catalog]

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2015-3035 on TP-Link devices?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests containing '..' (dot dot) sequences within the PATH_INFO to the login interface of the affected TP-Link routers. This allows them to read arbitrary files from the device's file system, bypassing intended access controls. [cite:catalog]

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-3035, particularly concerning consumer routers?

This CVE is particularly relevant as it affects consumer-grade wireless routers, which often act as internet edge gateways. The vulnerability resides in their management interfaces, which can be accessible from the network, potentially exposing them to exploitation. [cite:haloSurfaceSignal]

What practical steps should be taken to respond to CVE-2015-3035?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify and isolate affected TP-Link devices, apply the necessary firmware updates provided by the vendor, and then verify that the updates were successful. Continuous monitoring for any suspicious activity related to these devices is also recommended. [cite:catalog]

References