CVE-2024-57234 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_cancel_wps function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57234 affects NETGEAR RAX5 AX1600 WiFi routers running firmware version V1.0.2.26 and potentially other affected models within the NETGEAR product line. This command injection flaw exists within the router's web interface management functionality, specifically within the apcli_cancel_wps function that handles wireless client connection management. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the ifname parameter, which is used to specify network interface names during wireless provisioning operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly executed as system commands without proper filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing malicious content in the ifname parameter, the router's firmware processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing arbitrary command execution on the underlying operating system. The affected router operates on a Linux-based embedded system where commands are executed with root privileges, providing attackers with full administrative control over the device. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, access stored credentials, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root-level access to the router, potentially enabling them to monitor all network traffic passing through the device, modify firewall rules, redirect traffic to malicious destinations, or use the router as a pivot point to attack other devices on the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects consumer-grade networking equipment that is often deployed in residential and small office environments where network security is typically less robust. The router's web interface is accessible over the internet without strong authentication, making this attack vector particularly attractive to threat actors. Network administrators may not be aware of the compromised device until significant damage has been done, as the exploitation process does not necessarily generate obvious network signatures or log entries that would alert to the compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, as the company has likely released patches addressing this specific command injection flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of critical network infrastructure to external threats, and deploy network monitoring solutions capable of detecting unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling remote management features when not required, implementing strong authentication mechanisms for router access, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network equipment to identify similar weaknesses. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for known exploit patterns targeting router management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in embedded systems and highlights the need for manufacturers to implement robust security practices throughout their development lifecycle to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities from being introduced into network infrastructure devices.