CVE-2023-49253 is a critical flaw, scored 9.8, in the Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP router: the root password is hardcoded and cannot be changed in the user interface. Builds before 2310271149 are affected. Update to build 2310271149 or later and keep the management interface off the internet.
What's affected
The record describes a root password built into the device that the user interface does not let you change. The affected product is the H8951-4G-ESP router firmware, with no version bounds in the NVD record. The NVD vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, which means network reachable, no privileges, no user interaction. Hongdian's fix is build 2310271149. CERT Polska's advisory says all builds before 2310271149 are affected, that the vendor removed the vulnerabilities in that build, and that the reporter confirmed the fix.
How to check if you're exposed
The advisory gives the cutoff as a firmware build number, so the job is to read the build off the device. Sign in to the router's management page and look at the system or firmware information screen. The exact menu name can differ, so use the vendor's documentation if you cannot find it. Compare what you see with 2310271149.
If you manage many units, record the build for each one in your asset list. Anything earlier than 2310271149 is in the affected range. There is no package manager command for this, because the software ships as part of the device firmware.
What to do now
- List every Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP router you run and read its firmware build.
- Update any unit earlier than build 2310271149 using the firmware from Hongdian. The CERT Polska advisory lists no workarounds, so the update is the remedy.
- Take the management interface off the public internet and off untrusted networks while you work through the fleet.
- Change credentials and any passwords stored in router configuration backups after the update, since several of these issues involve exposed credentials or secrets.
- Add the model to your inventory so future advisories match it automatically.
Why it matters
A hardcoded credential is the same secret on every unit. Anyone who learns it once can try it against every device of that model they can reach. That is why the record rates it 9.8 with no privileges required. The weakness class is CWE-798, use of hard-coded credentials.
Because the user interface cannot change the password, ordinary hygiene such as rotating it on your side is not available. Exposure control and the firmware update are the only levers, and the advisory points to the update.
This CVE is one of ten that CERT Polska published together for the same router on 12 January 2024. Patching for one means patching for all of them, which is why the single fixed build matters more than any individual score.
Quick check
Can I fix this by changing the root password?
The record says the password cannot be changed in the user interface, so changing it is not an available fix. The advisory remedy is the firmware update to build 2310271149 or later.
Does the advisory offer a workaround instead of the update?
No. The CERT Polska page lists no workarounds and names the update to build 2310271149 or later as the remedy.
Sources
CERT Polska: Hongdian H8951-4G-ESP, CVE-2023-49253 to CVE-2023-49262
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
