CVE-2024-57233 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 iface parameter in the vif_disable function.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The CVE-2024-57233 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 vif_disable function of the router's web interface, where the iface parameter is not properly sanitized before being processed. The flaw allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands into the router's underlying operating system, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before it is passed to system commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where malicious input is appended to system commands without proper escaping or encoding. When an attacker manipulates the iface parameter through the web interface, the router processes the input directly without adequate sanitization, enabling execution of arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-89, which classify command injection and SQL injection respectively, though the specific implementation here involves command execution rather than database queries. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it provides an entry point for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the router.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to network security as it allows remote attackers to execute commands on the router without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple command execution, as the compromised router can serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the network, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or even acting as a command and control server for malware distribution. Network administrators may be unaware of the compromise until unusual network behavior or unauthorized access patterns emerge, making detection particularly challenging. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system utilities to execute malicious commands. Given that the router serves as a central network device, successful exploitation could lead to complete network compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57233 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 exposure to trusted network segments only. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous command execution patterns or unusual network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and network scanning should include checks for outdated firmware versions, particularly targeting enterprise networks with multiple affected devices. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary services and features on the router, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious command injection attempts targeting network infrastructure devices, as these attacks often follow predictable patterns that can be detected through behavioral analysis.