CVE-2024-57230 in RAX5
Summary
by MITRE • 05/05/2025
NETGEAR RAX5 (AX1600 WiFi Router) V1.0.2.26 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the ifname parameter in the apcli_do_enr_pin_wps function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The CVE-2024-57230 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within NETGEAR RAX5 AX1600 WiFi routers running firmware version 1.0.2.26. This vulnerability exists within the apcli_do_enr_pin_wps function where the ifname parameter is improperly handled, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws where attacker-controlled data is concatenated or interpolated into command strings without proper escaping or sanitization. The vulnerability impacts the router's wireless access point client functionality and represents a significant security risk for networks relying on this equipment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the ifname parameter within the apcli_do_enr_pin_wps function. The router's firmware fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in system command execution contexts, creating an opportunity for remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the router's system processes, potentially gaining full control over the device. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or local network credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home network environments. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which describes command and script interpreters, specifically targeting the execution of commands through vulnerable interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-57230 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate the router's configuration, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The affected NETGEAR RAX5 routers represent a substantial portion of consumer and small office networking equipment, amplifying the potential scope of exploitation. Network administrators face significant challenges in identifying vulnerable devices, as the vulnerability may not be immediately apparent through standard network scanning tools. The compromised router can serve as a persistent threat actor foothold, enabling long-term network surveillance and data exfiltration activities. Organizations with multiple affected devices face the additional burden of firmware updates and device management across their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57230 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the router's administrative interfaces, limiting potential attack surfaces. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Device hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, changing default credentials, and implementing strong access controls should be enforced. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure and establish monitoring procedures for detecting unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for input validation and proper command construction techniques to prevent similar issues in future firmware releases.