TP-Link Archer AX-21 Command Injection Vulnerability (CVE-2023-1389)

TP-Link Archer AX-21 contains a command injection vulnerability that allows for remote code execution.

Published Mar 15, 2023 · Updated May 17, 2026

Why patchRisk explained in plain English

Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

An attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-05-22 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Command Injection (CWE-77) vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX21. Exploitation requires adjacent_network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●IT Security

●Running archer ax21 firmware: v < 1.1.4

Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174131/TP-Link-Archer-AX21-Command-Injection.html

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Identify affected hosts: query inventory for general installs in scope.

Apply the vendor security update referenced in CVE-2023-1389's advisory. No specific KB/version is encoded yet — consult the linked MSRC/vendor URL.

Verify the fix per the vendor's published verification steps.

Document the remediation in your change ticket and re-scan with your vulnerability scanner to confirm closure.

PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.

References

↗ CVE-2023-1389 ↗ MSRC Advisory ↗ NVD ↗ Vendor Advisory