CVE-2026-101072 in NR289-GE
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2026
A vulnerability was identified in Netcore NR289-GE 1.4.5102. This issue affects the function system of the file /ap_ip.cgi of the component CGI Handler. Such manipulation of the argument ip leads to os command injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2026
The Netcore NR289-GE router, specifically running firmware version 1.4.5102, contains a critical security flaw within its Common Gateway Interface handler component. This vulnerability resides in the system function of the file /ap_ip.cgi, which is responsible for managing wireless access point configurations via web-based administrative interfaces. The core technical issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing the ip argument passed to this CGI script. Because the application fails to adequately filter or escape special characters within user-supplied data before passing it to underlying operating system commands, an attacker can inject arbitrary shell commands into the execution context of the router's firmware. This specific flaw is classified under CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, commonly known as Operating System Command Injection. The lack of rigorous input validation allows malicious payloads to bypass intended logic and execute with the privileges associated with the CGI process, which often run with elevated permissions on embedded devices like routers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its remote exploitable nature. Attackers do not need physical access or prior authentication if the administrative interface is exposed to untrusted networks, such as the public internet, although many home router configurations may require local network access depending on specific deployment settings. The availability of a publicly accessible exploit significantly lowers the barrier for entry, enabling less sophisticated threat actors to compromise vulnerable devices at scale. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain full control over the affected device, leading to potential data exfiltration, modification of routing tables, DNS hijacking, or using the compromised router as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. This aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Command and Scripting Interpreter abuse, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious actions undetected by standard security monitoring solutions that may not inspect internal CGI traffic deeply enough.
The vendor's failure to respond to early disclosure attempts exacerbates the risk landscape for users of this hardware. Without an official patch or firmware update addressing the input validation deficiency in /ap_ip.cgi, administrators are left with limited remediation options within the software itself. Mitigation strategies must therefore focus on network-level controls and configuration hardening. Administrators should ensure that the web management interface is not exposed to untrusted networks by disabling remote administration features if they are not strictly necessary. Implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to the administrative port from only trusted IP addresses can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, changing default credentials and keeping firmware updated whenever new versions become available remains a fundamental best practice. For organizations relying on this equipment, continuous monitoring for anomalous outbound connections or unusual CPU spikes may help detect exploitation attempts in real-time while alternative hardware solutions are evaluated to replace vulnerable units permanently.