A vulnerability has been discovered in the TP-Link Tapo H200 V1 IoT Smart Hub that could potentially expose sensitive information, specifically Wi-Fi credentials. The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) has issued a detailed vulnerability note (CIVN-2025-0072) outlining the technical details, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies related to this vulnerability.
The vulnerability, classified as medium severity, impacts users of the TP-Link Tapo H200 V1 Smart Hub running firmware version 1.4.0 or earlier.
The TP-Link Tapo H200 Smart Hub serves as a central device for connecting and managing various smart home appliances. It serves as a bridge between the internet and other smart devices like motion sensors, door sensors, and light switches. By using a hub, individuals can create automation routines, monitor home security, and control IoT devices remotely through mobile apps or voice assistants.
However, the centralized control provided by smart hubs also makes them attractive targets for cyber attackers, particularly if sensitive information such as Wi-Fi credentials is not adequately secured.
According to CERT-In, the vulnerability in the TP-Link Tapo H200 Smart Hub arises from the storage of Wi-Fi credentials in plain text within the firmware. This represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that could be exploited if an attacker gains physical access to the device.
The vulnerability has been assigned the identifier CVE-2025-3442, though additional public details under this CVE are yet to be released. It is anticipated that further information will be made available when the reporting organization officially discloses the vulnerability.
The issue stems from the firmware’s failure to encrypt or obfuscate the Wi-Fi credentials used by the device to connect to the user’s wireless network. An attacker with technical expertise and physical access could extract the firmware from the device, analyze the binary data, and retrieve the plain text credentials from memory storage.
This unauthorized access to the user’s home network could potentially lead to further exploitation, including eavesdropping on traffic, injecting malicious payloads into the network, or gaining control of other connected smart devices.
The primary risk is to end-users who have integrated the TP-Link Tapo H200 V1 Smart Hub into their smart home ecosystem. While the attack requires physical access, shared physical spaces like offices, rental apartments, or multi-tenant buildings could be at higher risk if the device is left vulnerable.
The impact of credential exposure could be substantial, necessitating users and administrators to address the issue promptly, especially in environments where physical access to the device cannot be guaranteed.
CERT-In advises several mitigation measures for users and administrators, including checking for firmware updates, restricting physical access, monitoring network activity, changing Wi-Fi passwords, disabling unused services, and implementing network segmentation.
The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by security researchers based in Mumbai, India, highlighting the importance of firmware security and data protection for IoT devices connected to homes and networks.
In conclusion, while smart home hubs offer convenience, it is crucial to prioritize security to avoid potential risks. Manufacturers and users must take security measures seriously to safeguard against vulnerabilities like storing Wi-Fi credentials in plain text. Updating firmware and implementing security measures can help maintain a secure connected home environment.