CVE-2024-57232 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_wps_gen_pincode function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The CVE-2024-57232 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in NETGEAR RAX5 AX1600 WiFi routers running firmware version 1.0.2.26. This vulnerability resides within the apcli_wps_gen_pincode function, which processes the ifname parameter without adequate input validation or sanitization. The affected device operates as a wireless access point controller that manages wireless client connections through the apcli (Access Point Client Interface) functionality. When an attacker provides malicious input through the ifname parameter, the system fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into system commands, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which classify it as a command injection vulnerability and improper input validation respectively. The flaw exists at the intersection of network security and firmware security, where wireless access point management functions are exposed to untrusted input without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected device's web server process, which typically runs with administrative privileges. This access level allows for complete system control including but not limited to configuration changes, network monitoring, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects consumer-grade networking equipment that often remains unpatched for extended periods, making it a prime target for persistent attackers. The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) functionality being exploited is designed to simplify wireless network configuration, but in this case has become a vector for privilege escalation and system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007, this vulnerability enables command and scripting interpreter execution, while T1068 identifies the system compromise as a result of privilege escalation through improper input handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57232 should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific command injection flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, particularly ensuring that wireless access point management interfaces are not directly accessible from external networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation at multiple layers of network device software architecture, including web interfaces, API endpoints, and system command execution functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous command execution patterns or unusual network traffic originating from affected devices. Additionally, device hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly auditing device configurations can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the need for proper security testing during firmware development, particularly for functions that handle user input and execute system commands. Security teams should also implement continuous monitoring for similar patterns in other NETGEAR devices and firmware versions, as this type of command injection vulnerability often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in embedded system software development practices.