CVE-2026-24449: WRC-X1500GS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-24449 Overview

CVE-2026-24449 is a weak authentication vulnerability affecting Elecom wireless routers WRC-X1500GS-B and WRC-X1500GSA-B. The vulnerability allows attackers with physical access to the device to calculate the initial administrative passwords from easily obtainable system information. This weakness in password generation represents a significant security flaw that undermines the default security posture of these network devices.

Critical Impact

Attackers with physical access can derive initial device passwords from system information, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected routers.

Affected Products

• Elecom WRC-X1500GS-B Wireless Router
• Elecom WRC-X1500GSA-B Wireless Router

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-03 - CVE CVE-2026-24449 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24449

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-1391 (Use of Weak Credentials), where the initial passwords for Elecom WRC-X1500GS-B and WRC-X1500GSA-B routers can be easily calculated from publicly accessible or easily obtainable system information. The predictable nature of the password generation algorithm allows attackers to derive valid credentials without brute-force attacks.

The physical attack vector means an attacker would need proximity to the device to exploit this vulnerability. Once an attacker has physical access, they can obtain system information such as MAC addresses, serial numbers, or other device identifiers that may be printed on device labels or accessible through network scanning.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the use of a predictable algorithm for generating initial device passwords. Rather than using cryptographically secure random password generation, the devices derive passwords from deterministic system information. This design flaw means that anyone who can obtain the relevant system identifiers can compute the corresponding password.

Attack Vector

The attack requires physical access to the target device. An attacker would:

1. Obtain physical access to the Elecom router
2. Collect system information from device labels or network interfaces (such as MAC address or serial number)
3. Apply the password derivation algorithm to calculate the initial password
4. Authenticate to the device's administrative interface with the computed credentials

Since no verified code examples are available, the specific password derivation algorithm has not been publicly disclosed. For technical details, refer to the JVN Security Advisory and the Elecom Security Update Announcement.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24449

Indicators of Compromise

• Unauthorized configuration changes to router settings
• Unexpected administrative login sessions from unknown sources
• Changes to DNS settings, firewall rules, or port forwarding configurations
• Modified wireless network credentials or SSID names

Detection Strategies

• Monitor administrative interface access logs for unusual login patterns
• Implement network monitoring to detect configuration changes on managed routers
• Review device logs for successful authentications that were not performed by authorized administrators
• Deploy network access control to alert on new device connections to router management interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging on all Elecom router administrative interfaces and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Set up alerts for administrative logins occurring outside of maintenance windows
• Regularly audit router configurations for unauthorized changes
• Monitor for unusual outbound traffic patterns that may indicate router compromise

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24449

Immediate Actions Required

• Change the initial default password immediately upon device deployment
• Use strong, unique passwords that are not derived from device identifiers
• Restrict physical access to network equipment in secured locations
• Disable remote management interfaces if not required

Patch Information

Elecom has released a security update addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should apply the latest firmware update available from Elecom. For detailed patch information and download links, refer to the Elecom Security Update Announcement.

Workarounds

• Immediately change the initial password to a strong, randomly generated password
• Place affected devices in physically secured locations with restricted access
• Disable WAN-side administrative access to prevent remote exploitation attempts
• Implement network segmentation to isolate router management interfaces from untrusted networks
• Consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as IP-based access restrictions

# Recommended password policy configuration
# Access router admin interface and navigate to:
# Administration > Password Settings
# Set a strong password meeting these criteria:
# - Minimum 16 characters
# - Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
# - Not derived from any device identifiers
# Example secure password format: Use a password manager to generate