CVE-2021-4045 – This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remot... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-4045?

CVE-2021-4045 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code as root on TP-Link Tapo C200 IP cameras. It affects cameras running firmware version 1.1.15 and below. Attackers can gain complete control of the device without any authentication.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code as root on TP-Link Tapo C200 IP cameras. It affects cameras running firmware version 1.1.15 and below. Attackers can gain complete control of the device without any authentication.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

TP-Link Tapo C200 IP Camera

Versions: Firmware version 1.1.15 and below

Operating Systems: Embedded Linux (uhttpd)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Vulnerability is in the uhttpd binary running as root by default. No special configuration required for exploitation.

📦 What is this software?

Tapo C200 Firmware by Tp Link

View all CVEs affecting Tapo C200 Firmware →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device takeover, camera used as pivot point into internal networks, persistent backdoor installation, privacy violation through camera access, participation in botnets.

🟠

Likely Case

Device compromise leading to camera control, video stream interception, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the network.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if device is isolated in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules and no internet exposure.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Directly exploitable from the internet without authentication, CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Still exploitable from internal networks, though requires attacker to have network access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: CONFIRMED

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Public exploit code available on Packet Storm Security. Exploitation requires no authentication and is straightforward.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware version above 1.1.15

Vendor Advisory: https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/tapo-c200/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Log into Tapo app or web interface. 2. Navigate to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update. 3. Check for and install available updates. 4. Reboot camera after update completes.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate camera in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules blocking all inbound traffic except necessary ports.

Access Control

all

Block internet access to camera management interface, only allow local network access.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Immediately disconnect camera from internet and isolate on separate VLAN
Implement strict firewall rules blocking all inbound traffic to camera ports

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version in Tapo app: Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version. If version is 1.1.15 or below, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Check via Tapo app or web interface: Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version is above 1.1.15. Test by attempting to access known vulnerable endpoints (requires security testing tools).

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual HTTP requests to uhttpd endpoints
Unexpected process execution as root
Failed authentication attempts to camera management

Network Indicators:

HTTP requests to camera on unusual ports
Outbound connections from camera to unknown IPs
Unusual traffic patterns from camera

SIEM Query:

source="camera_logs" AND (http_uri="*cmd*" OR process="uhttpd" AND action="execute")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-4045

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-77

Published: March 10, 2022

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/168472/TP-Link-Tapo-c200-1.1.15-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.incibe-cert.es/en/early-warning/security-advisories/tp-link-tapo-c200-remote-code-execution-vulnerability Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/168472/TP-Link-Tapo-c200-1.1.15-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.incibe-cert.es/en/early-warning/security-advisories/tp-link-tapo-c200-remote-code-execution-vulnerability Third Party Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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