CVE-2026-24441: Tenda AC7 Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-24441 Overview

Shenzhen Tenda AC7 firmware version V03.03.03.01_cn and prior expose account credentials in plaintext within HTTP responses, allowing an on-path attacker to obtain sensitive authentication material. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information), representing a serious security flaw in the router's authentication handling mechanism.

Critical Impact

Network attackers can intercept administrative credentials transmitted in cleartext, potentially gaining full control over the affected router and the network it manages.

Affected Products

• Shenzhen Tenda AC7 firmware version V03.03.03.01_cn
• Shenzhen Tenda AC7 firmware versions prior to V03.03.03.01_cn

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-03 - CVE CVE-2026-24441 published to NVD
• 2026-02-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24441

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability affects the Tenda AC7 router's web management interface, which transmits administrative credentials without proper encryption protection. The router's firmware fails to implement HTTPS for sensitive communications, leaving authentication data exposed during transmission. This cleartext transmission of credentials creates a significant attack surface for network-based adversaries who can position themselves along the network path between the user and the router.

The vulnerability enables passive interception attacks where an attacker can capture credentials simply by monitoring network traffic. Once administrative credentials are obtained, an attacker gains complete control over the router's configuration, including DNS settings, firewall rules, and wireless network parameters.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of transport layer security (TLS/SSL) implementation in the router's web administration interface. The firmware transmits sensitive authentication data, including usernames and passwords, over unencrypted HTTP connections. This design flaw exposes credentials to any attacker capable of intercepting network traffic between the client and the router.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to be in a position to intercept traffic between the administrator and the router. This can be achieved through several methods:

• ARP spoofing on the local network
• Compromised network switches or access points
• Man-in-the-Middle positioning through rogue access points
• Traffic interception at network egress points

An attacker monitoring HTTP traffic to the router's management interface can capture plaintext credentials when an administrator logs in. The captured credentials can then be used to access the router's administrative functions directly.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24441

Indicators of Compromise

• Unencrypted HTTP traffic to the router's management interface on standard web ports (typically port 80)
• Unusual or unauthorized changes to router configuration settings
• Unexpected DNS server changes or routing modifications
• New or unauthorized administrative sessions on the device

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for cleartext credential patterns in HTTP communications to router management interfaces
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to alert on unencrypted administrative access to network devices
• Review router access logs for login attempts from unexpected IP addresses or at unusual times
• Deploy network segmentation to isolate management traffic and enable focused monitoring

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging on the Tenda AC7 router and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for analysis
• Implement network flow monitoring to detect administrative access patterns to IoT and network infrastructure devices
• Conduct periodic configuration audits to identify unauthorized changes that may indicate credential compromise
• Monitor for ARP spoofing or other Man-in-the-Middle indicators on the local network

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24441

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict administrative access to the router to trusted, wired connections only—disable remote and wireless management access
• Implement network segmentation to isolate the router's management interface from untrusted network segments
• Consider deploying a VPN for administrative access if remote management is required
• Monitor for firmware updates from Tenda that address this vulnerability

Patch Information

As of the last NVD update on 2026-02-04, no official patch has been confirmed for this vulnerability. Users should monitor the Tenda AC7 Product Page for firmware updates that address this security issue. The VulnCheck Advisory on Tenda AC7 provides additional technical details and guidance.

Workarounds

• Access the router's administrative interface only from trusted, physically secure network segments
• Use a hardware firewall or access control list to restrict which IP addresses can reach the router's management port
• Consider replacing the affected device with a router that supports HTTPS for administrative access
• If the router must remain in service, implement strict physical access controls and limit administrative sessions to essential maintenance only