CVE-2024-39760 in AC3000
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
Multiple OS command injection vulnerabilities exist in the login.cgi set_sys_init() functionality of Wavlink AC3000 M33A8.V5030.210505. A specially crafted HTTP request can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can make an unauthenticated HTTP request to trigger these vulnerabilities.A command injection vulnerability exists within the `restart_min_value` POST parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39760 represents a critical command injection flaw in the Wavlink AC3000 M33A8.V5030.210505 router firmware, specifically within the login.cgi component's set_sys_init() function. This vulnerability resides in the web interface's handling of user input parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The flaw manifests through the restart_min_value POST parameter, which fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data before incorporating it into system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws where untrusted data is directly used in command execution contexts without proper input validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through an unauthenticated HTTP request mechanism, eliminating the need for prior authentication credentials to exploit the flaw. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted payloads in the restart_min_value parameter, which then get processed by the vulnerable set_sys_init() function. When the firmware processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the user-supplied input into system commands without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a severe security risk as the compromised device can be used for various malicious activities including but not limited to remote code execution, data exfiltration, and network reconnaissance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router's functionality. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means that any attacker with network access to the device can exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where routers are exposed to untrusted networks or where physical access to the device is possible. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage command injection to execute malicious code on compromised systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Wavlink, as the manufacturer likely has patches addressing the input sanitization issues in the set_sys_init() function. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of such devices to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual HTTP request patterns and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in web applications, particularly those interacting with system-level functions, as highlighted in OWASP Top 10 2021 category A03: Injection. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure components, ensuring comprehensive protection against command injection attacks that could compromise network security.