CVE-2026-24498: ipTIME Router Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-24498 Overview

CVE-2026-24498 is an Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor vulnerability affecting multiple EFM-Networks ipTIME router models. This information disclosure flaw enables attackers on adjacent networks to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive device information without proper authorization.

Critical Impact

Attackers within adjacent network proximity can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information and bypass authentication controls on affected ipTIME routers, potentially leading to unauthorized network access and configuration exposure.

Affected Products

• EFM-Networks ipTIME T5008 (through firmware version 15.26.8)
• EFM-Networks ipTIME AX2004M (through firmware version 15.26.8)
• EFM-Networks ipTIME AX3000Q (through firmware version 15.26.8)
• EFM-Networks ipTIME AX6000M (through firmware version 15.26.8)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-27 - CVE-2026-24498 published to NVD
• 2026-02-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24498

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability (CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor) exists in the firmware of multiple ipTIME router models manufactured by EFM-Networks, Inc. The flaw allows attackers positioned on an adjacent network to gain unauthorized access to sensitive device information, effectively enabling authentication bypass.

The vulnerability requires the attacker to be on the same local network segment as the target device, limiting remote exploitation scenarios but making it particularly dangerous in shared network environments, public Wi-Fi deployments, or enterprise networks where lateral movement is possible.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from improper access controls in the router firmware that fail to adequately protect sensitive information from unauthorized actors. The affected firmware versions through 15.26.8 expose sensitive data that should only be accessible to authenticated administrators, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication workflows.

Attack Vector

The attack requires adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must be on the same network segment as the vulnerable device. The attack can be performed without user interaction and requires no prior privileges, though certain preconditions must be met for successful exploitation.

An attacker positioned on an adjacent network can craft requests to the affected device that expose sensitive information. This information disclosure can then be leveraged to bypass authentication mechanisms, potentially granting unauthorized administrative access to the router's management interface.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24498

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual authentication attempts or successful logins from unexpected internal IP addresses
• Anomalous access patterns to the router's management interface from devices that should not have administrative privileges
• Unexpected configuration changes on affected ipTIME devices
• Network traffic analysis showing unusual requests to sensitive device endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for suspicious requests targeting ipTIME router management interfaces
• Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect potential lateral movement attempts
• Review authentication logs on affected devices for failed or anomalous login patterns
• Deploy intrusion detection rules to identify information disclosure attempts against network infrastructure

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging on affected ipTIME routers if available in the firmware
• Implement network-level monitoring for traffic to and from router management interfaces
• Configure alerts for any configuration changes on affected devices
• Regularly audit which devices have adjacent network access to vulnerable routers

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24498

Immediate Actions Required

• Update affected ipTIME devices to firmware versions newer than 15.26.8 when available from EFM-Networks
• Restrict management interface access to trusted network segments only
• Implement network segmentation to limit adjacent network exposure
• Monitor affected devices for signs of exploitation until patches can be applied

Patch Information

EFM-Networks has released information regarding this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the ipTIME Documentation and the Boho Organization Bulletin for the latest firmware updates and security guidance. Ensure all affected devices are running firmware versions newer than 15.26.8.

Workarounds

• Isolate affected routers on dedicated network segments with restricted access
• Disable remote management features if not required for operations
• Implement strong network access controls to limit which devices can reach the router's management interface
• Use additional network security appliances to filter traffic to affected devices until firmware updates are applied

# Network segmentation example using VLAN configuration
# Isolate management interfaces on a dedicated VLAN
# Restrict access to trusted administrator workstations only

# Example firewall rule to restrict management access
# Block management port access from untrusted segments
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP