Archer C20: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-37284 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Archer C20 from TP-Link, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited from the same local network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Archer C20 versions: firmware versions prior to 'Archer C20(JP)_V1_230616'. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Archer C20 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Archer C20 | firmware versions prior to 'Archer C20(JP)_V1_230616' | Not stated |
| TP-Link | archer_c20_firmware | v1_230616 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- AdjacentThe attacker must be on the same local network segment.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
Improper authentication vulnerability in Archer C20 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C20(JP)_V1_230616' allows a network-adjacent unauthenticated attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command via a crafted request to bypass authentication.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU99392903/Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Archer C20
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.