CVE-2024-57235 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_enable function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57235 affects NETGEAR RAX5 AX1600 WiFi Router firmware version V1.0.2.26, representing a critical command injection flaw that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. This vulnerability specifically resides within the vif_enable function and is triggered through manipulation of the iface parameter, creating a dangerous pathway for unauthorized system compromise. The issue falls under the category of CWE-77 Command Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog due to its potential for enabling complete system takeover.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input through the iface parameter in the vif_enable function, which then gets processed without proper sanitization or validation. This allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands on the router's operating system, potentially gaining root access to the device. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the router is designed for home and small office environments where network security is paramount. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability, meaning that an attacker does not require physical access to the device or local network credentials to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the device is accessible from the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, intercept network traffic, or use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other devices on the local network. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, or even use the compromised router to launch attacks against external targets. The router's role as a central networking component makes it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to establish long-term access to network infrastructure, particularly in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific issue. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation, and consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper sanitization in network device firmware, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems and regularly reviewing network logs for signs of command injection attempts, as the attack pattern may be detectable through anomalous network behavior or unusual command execution patterns in system logs.
The presence of this vulnerability in a consumer-grade router highlights the broader security challenges faced by IoT and networking device manufacturers, where security considerations often take a back seat to time-to-market pressures. This particular flaw represents a failure in secure coding practices and inadequate input validation, which are fundamental requirements in the development of secure network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments and penetration testing of network infrastructure components, as well as the importance of maintaining current firmware versions to protect against known exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that limit the blast radius of compromised devices and prevent lateral movement within network environments.