CVE-2024-51008 in XR300
Summary
by MITRE • 11/05/2024
Netgear XR300 v1.0.3.78 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the system_name parameter at wiz_dyn.cgi. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2025
The CVE-2024-51008 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Netgear XR300 wireless routers running firmware version 1.0.3.78. This vulnerability resides within the wiz_dyn.cgi web interface component and specifically targets the system_name parameter, which is improperly validated and sanitized. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with elevated privileges on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before processing, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution within the router's operating system environment.
This command injection vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing improper input validation and code injection flaws respectively. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows unauthenticated remote execution of arbitrary OS commands, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the network device. The wiz_dyn.cgi script serves as a critical interface for device configuration management, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited to modify network settings, establish persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can be leveraged to compromise the entire network infrastructure controlled by the affected router.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on Netgear XR300 devices, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected routers. Attackers can exploit this flaw to modify routing tables, redirect network traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or network credentials to compromise the device, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such devices often serve as network gateways. Network monitoring systems may not immediately detect this type of attack as injected commands can appear as legitimate administrative operations, complicating detection and response efforts.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Netgear to address the identified vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to resolve the command injection flaw. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, including restricting access to the affected device to trusted network segments only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and parameter injection attempts within web interface logs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can help prevent malicious requests from reaching the vulnerable wiz_dyn.cgi endpoint. Organizations should also consider conducting comprehensive network assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable devices and ensure proper network hygiene practices are maintained across all network infrastructure components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular firmware updates and robust input validation practices in network security defense strategies.