CVE-2020-10988 : Security Advisory and Response

A hard-coded telnet credential in the tenda_login binary of Tenda AC15 AC1900 version 15.03.05.19 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to start a telnetd service on the device.

Understanding CVE-2020-10988

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the Tenda AC15 AC1900 router that enables unauthorized remote access.

What is CVE-2020-10988?

The vulnerability arises from a hardcoded telnet credential in the router's binary, allowing attackers to initiate a telnetd service without authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10988

The presence of this vulnerability exposes affected devices to potential unauthorized access and control by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10988

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The tenda_login binary in Tenda AC15 AC1900 version 15.03.05.19 contains a hardcoded telnet credential, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to launch a telnetd service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Tenda AC15 AC1900
Version: 15.03.05.19

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely to gain unauthorized access to the affected device by leveraging the hardcoded telnet credential.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable telnet services on the affected device if not required.
Implement strong, unique passwords for all device logins.
Regularly monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep devices up to date with the latest firmware releases.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the hardcoded telnet credential issue.