CVE-2024-31340
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in TP-Link Tether and Tapo mobile apps allows remote attackers to intercept encrypted communications via man-in-the-middle attacks due to improper certificate validation. Users of TP-Link Tether versions before 4.5.13 and TP-Link Tapo versions before 3.3.6 on Android devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- TP-Link Tether
- TP-Link Tapo
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could intercept and decrypt all communications between the mobile app and TP-Link devices, potentially gaining access to device credentials, configuration data, and sensitive user information.
Likely Case
Attackers on the same network could intercept communications to monitor device status, control settings, or capture authentication tokens.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and certificate pinning, the risk is limited to attackers with network access who can bypass additional security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to intercept communications. Standard MITM tools can be used once network position is achieved.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: TP-Link Tether 4.5.13+, TP-Link Tapo 3.3.6+
Vendor Advisory: https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN29471697/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store on Android device. 2. Search for 'TP-Link Tether' or 'TP-Link Tapo'. 3. Update to version 4.5.13 or higher for Tether, or 3.3.6 or higher for Tapo. 4. Verify update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate IoT devices and mobile apps on separate network segments to limit MITM attack surface
VPN Usage
allUse VPN when connecting to untrusted networks to encrypt all traffic
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Discontinue use of affected apps until patched
- Use web interface instead of mobile apps where possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check app version in Android Settings > Apps > TP-Link Tether/Tapo > App infoCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via Android app settingsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify app version is 4.5.13 or higher for Tether, or 3.3.6 or higher for Tapo📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected certificate warnings in app logs
- Unusual network traffic patterns between mobile devices and IoT controllers
Network Indicators:
- SSL/TLS interception attempts on ports used by TP-Link apps
- Unexpected certificate authorities in SSL handshakes
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - primarily requires network monitoring for MITM patterns🔗 References
- https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN29471697/
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tplink.iot
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tplink.tether
- https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN29471697/
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tplink.iot
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tplink.tether
