PatchTheCVECVE-2026-5040: TP-Link Deco M5 v1 uses a weak password hashing mechanism to store user credentials
CVE-2026-5040 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.7) affecting deco m5 firmware. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
TP-Link Deco M5 v1 uses a weak password hashing mechanism to store user credentials. An attacker who obtains the password hash through system compromise or privileged access could perform brute-force or dictionary attacks. Successful exploitation may result in disclosure of authentication credentials, enabling unauthorized access to device management functions, depending on the privileges associated with the recovered password. The primary secu
Why this priority
- No elevated risk signals yet
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.7 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | High |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.1% (top 97%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-916 |
| Published | 2026-07-14 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-24 |
Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-5040?
deco m5 firmware: upgrade to 1.9.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-5040 being exploited?
CVE-2026-5040 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-5040 affect?
CVE-2026-5040 affects deco m5 firmware. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.7). TP-Link Deco M5 v1 uses a weak password hashing mechanism to store user credentials. An attacker who obtains the password hash through system compromise or privileged access could perform brute-force or dictionary attacks. Successful expl
How urgent is CVE-2026-5040?
Priority 24/100. No elevated risk signals yet.