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:

Obtain physical access to the Elecom router
Collect system information from device labels or network interfaces (such as MAC address or serial number)
Apply the password derivation algorithm to calculate the initial password
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

bash

# 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