CVE-2026-1571 identifies a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the TP-Link Archer C60 version 3 router's web management interface. The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, specifically the failure to encode or sanitize input before reflecting it in the HTML output. This flaw allows an attacker to craft a malicious URL containing JavaScript code that executes in the context of the router's web UI when visited by a user, typically an administrator or privileged user. The attack vector is network-based, requiring the victim to access the malicious URL, but no authentication or prior access is needed. Successful exploitation can lead to credential theft, session hijacking, or execution of unintended commands within the router's management interface, potentially compromising device integrity and network security. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.3 reflects medium severity, considering the ease of exploitation (no privileges required), the need for user interaction, and limited impact on confidentiality and integrity confined to the device's web UI. No patches or known exploits are currently available, indicating the need for proactive mitigation. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, a common web application security weakness related to improper input validation and output encoding.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to network security and device integrity. If exploited, attackers can hijack administrative sessions or steal credentials, potentially gaining control over the router. This could lead to network traffic interception, manipulation, or denial of service. Organizations relying on TP-Link Archer C60 v3 routers for critical network segments or remote management are particularly vulnerable. The attack requires user interaction, so phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to lure administrators into clicking malicious URLs. Given the widespread use of TP-Link devices in small and medium enterprises and home office environments across Europe, the vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement or serve as an entry point for broader network compromise. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often weaponize such vulnerabilities post-disclosure. The medium severity suggests a moderate impact, but the potential for privilege escalation and network disruption warrants attention.

1. Apply vendor patches immediately once available to address the input validation flaw in the web UI. 2. Restrict access to the router's management interface by limiting it to trusted internal networks or via VPN, preventing exposure to untrusted users. 3. Implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to block external access to the router’s web interface ports (usually TCP 80/443). 4. Educate administrators about phishing risks and the dangers of clicking unknown or suspicious URLs related to device management. 5. Monitor router logs and network traffic for unusual access patterns or repeated attempts to access the management interface with crafted URLs. 6. Consider replacing affected devices with models that have received security updates if patches are delayed or unavailable. 7. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) capable of detecting and blocking reflected XSS payloads targeting internal devices. 8. Regularly audit device firmware versions and configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices.