Description Preview
Overview
The vulnerability in TP-Link Tapo APK (versions up to v2.12.703) involves the use of hardcoded credentials (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) for authentication purposes. When developers embed authentication credentials directly in the application code, it creates a significant security risk as these credentials can be extracted through reverse engineering of the APK file. Once obtained, an attacker could use these credentials to gain unauthorized access to the login panel, potentially compromising the security of connected TP-Link Tapo devices and the information they manage. This vulnerability affects all users of the vulnerable versions of the TP-Link Tapo mobile application.
Remediation
Users should immediately update their TP-Link Tapo mobile application to the latest version (newer than v2.12.703) which should address this vulnerability. TP-Link should have implemented proper credential management in newer versions of the application.
For developers and organizations:
- Never store credentials in application code
- Use secure credential storage mechanisms provided by the operating system
- Implement proper authentication workflows that don't rely on hardcoded values
- Consider implementing certificate pinning and other security measures to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
- Regularly audit code for security vulnerabilities, especially focusing on authentication mechanisms
References
- https://github.com/c0d3x27/CVEs/tree/main/CVE-2023-27098 - Detailed vulnerability information and exploit details
- http://tp-link.com - Official TP-Link website
- https://www.tp-link.com/support/contact-technical-support/#LiveChat-Support - TP-Link technical support
- CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/312.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
