CVE-2026-0651 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22, affecting the TP-Link Tapo C260 v1 smart camera. The flaw arises from improper validation of pathname inputs in specific HTTPS GET request paths, allowing an attacker on the same local network to manipulate the request to probe the device's filesystem. Although the vulnerability does not allow reading file contents, writing, or code execution, it enables an attacker to confirm the presence or absence of certain files on the device. This can provide valuable reconnaissance information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks or to identify device configurations and potential weaknesses. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction but does require local network access, limiting the attack surface to internal or compromised networks. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3, reflecting a medium severity due to the limited impact and exploitation scope. No patches or known exploits are currently available, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability's technical root cause is insufficient sanitization of pathname parameters in the device's web interface, leading to directory traversal beyond intended restricted directories.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2026-0651 is information disclosure through local network reconnaissance. Attackers gaining knowledge about file existence on Tapo C260 devices can better understand device configurations, firmware versions, or presence of sensitive files, potentially aiding targeted attacks or lateral movement within networks. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability, it lowers the barrier for attackers to plan more damaging exploits. Organizations with extensive deployments of TP-Link Tapo C260 cameras in offices, smart buildings, or IoT environments may face increased risk of internal reconnaissance. This could be particularly concerning in environments where network segmentation is weak or where attackers have already gained partial network access. The lack of remote exploitation reduces risk from external attackers but does not eliminate threat from insider or compromised device scenarios. Overall, the impact is moderate but should not be overlooked given the growing reliance on IoT devices in European enterprises.

To mitigate CVE-2026-0651, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Network segmentation: Isolate Tapo C260 devices on separate VLANs or subnets with strict access controls to limit local network exposure. 2) Access control: Restrict access to the device management interface to authorized personnel and trusted network segments only. 3) Monitoring and detection: Deploy network monitoring tools to detect unusual HTTPS GET requests indicative of path traversal attempts. 4) Firmware updates: Regularly check for and apply official firmware updates from TP-Link addressing this or related vulnerabilities once available. 5) Disable unnecessary services: If possible, disable remote management or unused interfaces on the device to reduce attack surface. 6) Incident response readiness: Prepare to investigate and respond to suspicious activity involving IoT devices, including forensic analysis of device logs. 7) Vendor engagement: Engage with TP-Link for timelines on patches and security advisories. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on network-level controls and active monitoring tailored to the device's threat profile.