Rooting, firmware analysis and persistent credentials of TP-Link TL-841N
Summary
The write-up documents rooting a TP-Link TL-841N router, including hardware teardown, UART access, two firmware dumping methods (UART/tftp and on-chip flashrom), and initial analysis of the firmware filesystem. It uncovers hardcoded credentials (WPS, PPPoE) that persist after factory reset, and notes a CVE reference related to credential exposure. The piece demonstrates practical hardware exploitation steps and highlights security implications for consumer IoT devices.