Raw vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:XSummary
CVE-2020-37097 is a high-severity Insufficiently Protected Credentials (CWE-522) vulnerability in Edimax Ew-7438Rpn Mini Firmware. Its CVSS base score is 8.7 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190); ranked at the 31th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified map to AC-3 (Access Enforcement) and CM-6 (Configuration Settings) — see the control section below for these in your framework.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
CVE-2020-37097 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Edimax EW-7438RPn WiFi range extender, specifically version 1.13. The flaw occurs in the wlencrypt_wiz.asp file, which exposes sensitive WiFi network configuration details, including the network name (SSID) and plaintext password stored in device configuration variables. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) and maps to CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials).
The vulnerability can be exploited by remote, unauthenticated attackers with network access to the device and no need for user interaction. By directly accessing the wlencrypt_wiz.asp script, attackers can retrieve the exposed WiFi credentials, enabling them to connect to the protected network or use the information for further attacks.
Advisories and related resources, including the VulnCheck advisory at https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/edimax-ew-rpn-information-disclosure-wifi-password and a proof-of-concept exploit on Exploit-DB at https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48365, provide further technical details. The Edimax product page is at https://www.edimax.com/edimax/merchandise/merchandise_detail/data/edimax/global/wi-fi_range_extenders_n300/ew-7438rpn_mini/.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2020-31002
Vulnerability Data
Edimax EW-7438RPn 1.13 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that exposes WiFi network configuration details through the wlencrypt_wiz.asp file. Attackers can access the script to retrieve sensitive information including WiFi network name and plaintext password stored in device configuration variables.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Direct unauthenticated access to exposed plaintext WiFi credentials via public web interface (T1190); maps to unsecured credential disclosure (T1552).
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Control response
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Enforces approved authorizations for logical access to prevent unauthenticated retrieval of sensitive WiFi credentials from the wlencrypt_wiz.asp script.
Establishes secure configuration settings that prevent exposure of plaintext WiFi network name and password through unsecured web files.
Identifies, reports, and remediates the specific information disclosure flaw in wlencrypt_wiz.asp to eliminate the vulnerability.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Encrypting data-at-rest fully prevents insecure credential storage while only partially satisfying the broader data-protection outcome.
Encrypting data-in-transit fully prevents interception of credentials in motion while only partially satisfying the broader data-protection outcome.
Credential management practices directly reduce insecure storage/transmission but do not guarantee encryption or transport protection.
Protecting identity assertions covers conveyance of credentials but is narrower than full credential lifecycle protection.
Authentication policies can enforce stronger credential handling yet address only verification, not storage or transit protection.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Requiring protected storage, transmission, and non-display of passwords prevents credentials from being stored or sent in clear text where they can be harvested by unauthorized actors.
Protecting secret and private keys against disclosure and unauthorized use decreases the exposure of credentials that are stored or transmitted in recoverable form.
Forbidding clear-text transmission and display of passwords, plus the use of stronger alternatives to passwords, prevents credentials from being obtained or reused by attackers.
Acceptable-use expectations that cover protection of credentials and information assets throughout their lifecycle discourage practices that expose or mishandle authentication material.
Contractual clauses that survive termination help ensure that credentials and other secrets are not retained or misused after employment ends.
Regular reminders about password security and personal accountability make users less likely to store or transmit credentials in cleartext or other unprotected forms.