CVE-2020-10885: (Pwn2Own) TP-Link Archer A7 DNS Response Improper Input Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Mar 25, 2020
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of DNS responses. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of DNS reponses prior to further processing. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the root user.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of TP-Link Archer A7 Firmware Ver: 190726 AC1750 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of DNS responses. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of DNS reponses prior to further processing. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the root user. Was ZDI-CAN-9661.

Affected Software

3 affected components
TP-Link Archer A7
TP-Link Ac1750 Firmware=190726
TP-Link AC1750

Event History

Mar 25, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 23, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·06:25 PM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·06:25 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2020-10885?

CVE-2020-10885 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on TP-Link Archer A7 routers without authentication.

2

How severe is CVE-2020-10885?

CVE-2020-10885 has a severity rating of 9.8, which is considered critical.

3

What is the affected software for CVE-2020-10885?

The affected software for CVE-2020-10885 is TP-Link Archer A7 Firmware Ver: 190726 AC1750 routers.

4

How can CVE-2020-10885 be exploited?

CVE-2020-10885 can be exploited by sending specially crafted DNS responses to the vulnerable router.

5

Is authentication required to exploit CVE-2020-10885?

No, authentication is not required to exploit CVE-2020-10885.

Contact

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