The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-24429 affects the Shenzhen Tenda W30E V2 router firmware versions up to and including V16.01.0.19(5037). The core issue is the presence of a built-in authentication account secured by a predefined default password that the firmware does not require users to change during initial configuration. This design flaw falls under CWE-1393, which pertains to the use of default passwords that can be exploited to bypass authentication controls. Because the default credentials are well-known or easily obtainable, an attacker can remotely access the router’s management interface without any prior authentication, user interaction, or privileges. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H) indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to fully control the router, potentially changing configurations, intercepting or redirecting traffic, deploying malicious firmware, or using the device as a pivot point for lateral movement within a network. Although no public exploits are currently known, the critical severity and ease of exploitation make this a significant threat. The lack of a patch at the time of publication increases the urgency for interim mitigations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Tenda W30E V2 devices are deployed in enterprise or critical infrastructure settings, as unauthorized access to network devices can lead to severe operational disruptions and data breaches.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Shenzhen Tenda networking devices in both consumer and small-to-medium business environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, enabling attackers to intercept sensitive communications, alter network configurations, or launch further attacks such as man-in-the-middle or ransomware campaigns. The compromise of router management interfaces can disrupt business operations by causing network outages or degrading performance. Critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare, finance, and government agencies, could face heightened risks if these devices are part of their network perimeter or internal segmentation. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited to create persistent backdoors or to facilitate large-scale botnet recruitment, impacting broader European cybersecurity posture. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical CVSS score underscores the urgency for mitigation to prevent potential future attacks.

European organizations should immediately audit their network environments to identify any Shenzhen Tenda W30E V2 devices running vulnerable firmware versions. Since no official patches are currently available, the following specific mitigations are recommended: 1) Disable remote management interfaces on affected devices to prevent external access. 2) Change all default passwords on these devices to strong, unique credentials, even if the firmware does not enforce this. 3) Where possible, replace vulnerable devices with models from vendors that enforce secure password policies and provide timely firmware updates. 4) Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical systems and sensitive data. 5) Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns indicative of unauthorized access or configuration changes, including unexpected DNS queries or outbound connections. 6) Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) tuned to detect attempts to access router management interfaces. 7) Educate IT staff about the risks of default credentials and enforce strict device configuration standards. 8) Engage with Shenzhen Tenda support channels to track patch releases and apply updates promptly once available.