CVE-2024-48418 in AC1200 Wi-Fi 5 Dual-Band Router BR-6476AC
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2025
In Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi 5 Dual-Band Router BR-6476AC 1.06, the request /goform/fromSetDDNS does not properly handle special characters in any of user provided parameters, allowing an attacker with access to the web interface to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The CVE-2024-48418 vulnerability affects Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi 5 Dual-Band Router BR-6476AC model version 1.06, representing a critical command injection flaw within the device's web management interface. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in the /goform/fromSetDDNS endpoint, which processes user-provided parameters without proper sanitization of special characters. The affected router operates with a web-based administration interface that allows users to configure various network settings including Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) services. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the parameter handling mechanism to inject malicious shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of special characters such as semicolons, ampersands, pipes, and backticks that are commonly used in shell command injection attacks. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. When an attacker submits crafted input containing these special characters through the DDNS configuration form, the router's web server fails to properly escape or sanitize the input before passing it to underlying shell commands. This allows attackers to chain commands and execute arbitrary code on the affected device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only access to the web interface, which is often accessible from the local network or even remotely if default credentials are not changed.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-48418 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the network infrastructure. Once compromised, the router can serve as a pivot point for lateral movement, allowing attackers to scan internal network segments, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or use the device as a command and control node. The attack surface is further expanded because many users leave default credentials unchanged, and the web interface may be accessible from external networks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shell scripting, and T1021.001 for remote services such as SSH or Telnet, as the compromised router could be used to facilitate further network infiltration. Network administrators face the additional challenge that such attacks can remain undetected for extended periods, as the malicious activities may appear to be normal router operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48418 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation is to update the router firmware to the latest version provided by Edimax, which should include proper input validation and sanitization for all web interface parameters. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the affected device from critical network segments, limiting potential lateral movement if compromise occurs. Access controls must be enforced through strong authentication mechanisms, including changing default credentials and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular network monitoring should include inspection of unusual traffic patterns that might indicate command execution or data exfiltration from the compromised device. Security professionals should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict access to the router's web interface to authorized administrative workstations only. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and underscores the need for thorough input validation testing, particularly for devices that handle user-supplied data in network management interfaces.