When most people think about cybersecurity threats, they picture complex ransomware groups, government-backed hackers, or high-profile data leaks splashed across the headlines. But the reality is that some of the most damaging risks often come from the devices we least expect—the small, everyday gadgets quietly sitting in homes and offices.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently added a new entry to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog: CVE-2020-24363, a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) in TP-Link’s popular TL-WA855RE Wi-Fi extender. This device, designed to boost Wi-Fi coverage, has become the center of global concern because attackers are actively exploiting the flaw—and no patch will ever arrive because the product has reached end-of-life (EOL).

This means thousands of individuals, small businesses, and even larger organizations using these devices are now permanently exposed unless they take action.

So, what makes this vulnerability so serious, and what can it teach us about the evolving cyber threat landscape? Let’s break it down.

The Vulnerability Explained

The flaw in TP-Link’s TL-WA855RE extender comes from a missing authentication issue in the TDDP_RESET request mechanism. In plain language, it means that attackers who are on the same network can send a specially crafted command to the device without needing any kind of password or approval.

That single request allows them to:

• Reset the extender to factory defaults.
• Change the administrator password.
• Take full control of the device.

From there, the risk multiplies. A compromised extender isn’t just a weak spot—it’s a launchpad for further attacks. An attacker can use it to move laterally across the network, infiltrating laptops, servers, mobile devices, and even IoT systems like security cameras or smart appliances.

Because TP-Link has ended support for this model, the vulnerability will never be patched. The only true solution is removing or replacing the device.

Why Legacy Devices Are Low-Hanging Fruit

The TP-Link case highlights a broader, often overlooked issue: legacy and end-of-life devices.

Cybercriminals don’t always go after the latest and greatest exploits. Many prefer to focus on outdated, unpatched devices because:

• They are abundant—millions of people continue to use outdated hardware.
• They are often forgotten—IT teams may not even know they’re still in use.
• They are unprotected—once vendors stop releasing updates, vulnerabilities remain open forever.

And the statistics tell the same story:

• 95% of IoT traffic is unencrypted, making attacks easier (Palo Alto Networks, 2024).
• 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to medium- or high-severity attacks.
• Gartner predicts that by 2026, 70% of enterprises will face business disruptions due to unmanaged legacy devices.
• The Ponemon Institute reports that organizations spend an average of $1.27 million annually recovering from attacks that exploit unpatched or EOL systems.

For attackers, exploiting outdated devices is cost-effective, scalable, and reliable. For defenders, it’s a nightmare—because you can’t patch what the vendor no longer supports.

The Growing Risk of Chained Exploits

What makes CVE-2020-24363 even more concerning is how it fits into the bigger trend of chained cyberattacks.

Just recently, another vulnerability—CVE-2025-55177 in WhatsApp—was added to the exploited vulnerabilities list. On their own, these flaws are dangerous enough. But combined, they allow attackers to stitch together multi-stage attack chains.

Here’s an example of how it could play out:

• Exploit the TP-Link Wi-Fi extender to gain access to the local network.
• Use that foothold to target mobile devices connected to the network.
• Exploit a WhatsApp zero-day to spread malware or steal sensitive information.
• Move laterally into enterprise systems, SaaS platforms, or cloud accounts.

This mix of IoT flaws, messaging app exploits, and SaaS vulnerabilities reflects the new reality: attackers don’t need one big vulnerability—they can combine smaller ones into something powerful.

What It Means for Businesses

For organizations of all sizes, this incident is more than just a technical flaw—it’s a governance issue.

Many businesses simply don’t have visibility into every device connected to their networks. Shadow IT, employee-owned IoT devices, and forgotten legacy hardware often fly under the radar.

Key risks for organizations include:

1. Data breaches through lateral movement.
2. Ransomware attacks delivered via compromised endpoints.
3. Operational disruption if key devices are reset or hijacked.
4. Regulatory non-compliance under frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2.

For individuals—especially remote workers—the risks are just as real. A vulnerable Wi-Fi extender at home can easily become a gateway into an employer’s sensitive systems.

What You Can Do: Proactive Defense Steps

At DigiAlert, we emphasize that cybersecurity isn’t only about chasing the newest threats—it’s about managing the risks from older ones. Here’s what you can do today:

1. Conduct a Full Device Inventory

• Identify every device connected to your network.
• Use automated discovery tools to detect hidden or shadow devices.

2. Flag and Replace End-of-Life Hardware

• Remove unsupported devices like the TP-Link TL-WA855RE.
• Implement structured replacement cycles for aging technology.

3. Segment Networks

• Isolate IoT and legacy devices from critical systems.
• Use VLANs and firewalls to minimize lateral movement opportunities.

4. Monitor Continuously

• Deploy Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.
• Watch for suspicious resets, traffic anomalies, or unauthorized changes.

5. Strengthen Policies and Training

• Educate employees on IoT risks.
• Enforce BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) controls.

6. Adopt Zero Trust Principles

• Never assume trust based on network location.
• Validate all users, devices, and connections.

Industry Trends and Why This Matters Now

The TP-Link flaw is not an isolated case—it’s part of a growing pattern.

• According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, supply chain and IoT-related incidents now account for 40% of all breaches.
• IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report shows the average cost of a breach has risen to $4.88 million, up 15% from 2022.
• Mandiant reports that attackers now remain undetected for an average of just 10 days, compared to 21 days in 2022—meaning defenders have less time to react.

These numbers underscore the importance of visibility and proactive defense. If you don’t know what devices are in your environment, you can’t protect them.

The DigiAlert Approach

At DigiAlert, we believe incidents like CVE-2020-24363 are a wake-up call. Too many organizations focus on new tools and technologies, while ignoring outdated assets that attackers love to exploit.

Our approach includes:

• Threat Intelligence to monitor vulnerabilities and exploit trends.
• Vulnerability Management that prioritizes high-risk devices for patching or replacement.
• MDR and Incident Response for rapid detection and containment.
• Compliance Advisory to align with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and regulatory standards.

By combining technology, process, and strategy, DigiAlert helps businesses build resilience against both emerging and legacy threats.

Looking Ahead

The TP-Link Wi-Fi extender flaw is just one example of a much larger challenge. As 5G networks, smart devices, and edge computing expand, the number of connected devices will grow exponentially.

IDC predicts that by 2027, the average enterprise will manage over 50,000 IoT devices. Without strong governance, many of these will eventually become legacy devices—unpatched, unmanaged, and highly exploitable.

The future of cybersecurity isn’t just about defending against new attacks. It’s about managing the full lifecycle of every device, from deployment to retirement.

Final Thoughts

The exploitation of CVE-2020-24363 shows us one thing clearly: your security is only as strong as your weakest device.

Attackers don’t need to break into your most sophisticated systems if they can slip through an outdated Wi-Fi extender or a forgotten IoT gadget.

Ask yourself today:

• Have you mapped every device in your network?
• Are you still running unsupported or end-of-life products?
• Do you have monitoring in place for unusual activity?

At DigiAlert, we help organizations turn these questions into action. Proactive vulnerability management and continuous monitoring are no longer optional—they are essential to survival in today’s threat landscape.

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