CVE-2024-57514
📋 TL;DR
This XSS vulnerability in TP-Link Archer A20 v3 routers allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript via specially crafted URLs when directory listings are displayed. The injected code executes in victims' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or router configuration changes. Only users of the affected TP-Link router model and firmware version are impacted.
💻 Affected Systems
- TP-Link Archer A20 v3
⚠️ 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
Attacker gains administrative access to router, changes DNS settings to redirect traffic, installs malware on connected devices, or steals sensitive network credentials.
Likely Case
Attacker steals router admin session cookies, modifies router settings (port forwarding, firewall rules), or performs limited phishing attacks against users accessing the web interface.
If Mitigated
No impact if router web interface is not accessible from untrusted networks and users don't click malicious links while authenticated.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires victim to visit malicious URL while authenticated to router web interface. Proof-of-concept available in public references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None known
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check TP-Link support site for firmware updates. 2. If update available, download from official TP-Link website. 3. Log into router web interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and apply new firmware. 6. Wait for router to reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevent external access to router web interface
Use browser XSS protection
allEnable Content Security Policy or X-XSS-Protection headers if supported
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict router web interface access to trusted internal IP addresses only
- Use network segmentation to isolate router management interface from user networks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Access router web interface, check firmware version matches affected version. Test with proof-of-concept URL from references if in controlled environment.Check Version:
Log into router web interface > Status page shows firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Check firmware version is newer than affected version. Test XSS payload no longer executes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual URL patterns with JavaScript in directory paths in router logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by directory listing requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing JavaScript payloads in URL parameters to router IP
- Unusual outbound connections from router after web interface access
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (url="*javascript:*" OR url="*<script>*" OR url="*%3Cscript%3E*")