Ethical Hacking News
CERT/CC has issued an urgent warning regarding a critical vulnerability discovered in the TOTOLINK EX200 range extender. This device, commonly used to boost wireless coverage in homes or small offices, is susceptible to a remote authenticated attacker taking full control of the device due to an unpatched error in its firmware upload handler.
The TOTOLINK EX200 range extender has been found vulnerable to a remote authenticated attacker taking full control of the device. The vulnerability, CVE-2025-65606, allows attackers to launch a telnet service running with root privileges and without authentication. Users are advised to limit admin access, monitor telnet activity, and consider replacing the extender with a newer model. The lack of patches for older devices highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest software updates and security advisories.
CERT/CC, a trusted security monitoring organization, has issued an urgent warning regarding a critical vulnerability discovered in the TOTOLINK EX200 range extender. This device, designed to boost wireless coverage in homes or small offices by connecting to an existing router and rebroadcasting the signal to eliminate dead zones, has been found to be susceptible to a remote authenticated attacker taking full control of the device.
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-65606, was identified after researchers discovered an error in the firmware upload handler that triggers an abnormal state. This error causes the device to launch a telnet service running with root privileges and without authentication, rendering it accessible to attackers who have prior access to the web management interface.
According to Leandro Kogan, the researcher who reported this vulnerability, "Because the telnet interface is normally disabled and not intended to be exposed, this behavior creates an unintended remote administration interface." This highlights the significant security implications of this vulnerability, as it allows for complete system takeover, enabling attackers to change settings, run arbitrary commands, or maintain persistent access to the network.
TOTOLINK, the manufacturer of the affected device, has not yet patched this critical flaw and has discontinued support for the TOTOLINK EX200. As a result, users are advised to limit admin access, monitor telnet activity, and consider replacing the extender with a newer model that is less vulnerable to such attacks.
The disclosure of this vulnerability serves as a reminder to device manufacturers and users alike to prioritize security in their products and practices. The lack of patches for older devices like the TOTOLINK EX200 underscores the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest software updates and security advisories, as even seemingly innocuous devices can harbor hidden vulnerabilities waiting to be exploited.
In an era where cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is essential that consumers and organizations remain vigilant in identifying and mitigating risks. The CERT/CC's warning about the TOTOLINK EX200 vulnerability should be taken seriously by those who use these devices, as it highlights the potential for serious security breaches if proper precautions are not taken.
Furthermore, this incident underscores the need for device manufacturers to adopt more robust testing and validation procedures to identify such vulnerabilities before they reach production. By prioritizing security in their products and providing timely updates to address known issues, companies can help prevent attacks like this one from being successful.
In conclusion, the vulnerability discovered by CERT/CC in the TOTOLINK EX200 range extender is a critical reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity. As users and organizations navigate the complex landscape of modern security threats, it is essential to stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities and take proactive steps to protect ourselves from potential attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/CERTCC-Warns-of-Critical-TOTOLINK-EX200-Vulnerability-What-You-Need-to-Know-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/186597/security/cert-cc-warns-of-critical-unfixed-vulnerability-in-totolink-ex200.html
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-65606
https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-65606/
Published: Tue Jan 6 15:11:37 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
