CVE-2026-18616 in GL-MT3000
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2026
A vulnerability was identified in GL-iNet GL-MT3000 up to 4.4.5. The impacted element is the function server.set_peer of the file /cgi-bin/glc of the component wg-server.so Native Plugin. The manipulation of the argument public_key leads to command injection. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure and confirmed the existence of the vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2026
The GL-iNet GL-MT3000 router firmware version 4.4.5 contains a critical command injection vulnerability within its WireGuard server implementation. This vulnerability exists in the native plugin component wg-server.so and specifically affects the server.set_peer function located in the /cgi-bin/glc file. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the public_key argument, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands into the system. The vulnerability impacts the router's configuration interface where WireGuard peer management occurs, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution through the web-based administration portal.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, covering improper control of generation of code. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the device's web interface. The command injection occurs when the system processes the public_key parameter without proper sanitization, allowing special characters and command delimiters to be interpreted by the underlying operating system shell. This creates a scenario where an attacker could execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system takeover capabilities. An attacker could leverage this flaw to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify network configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The fact that a publicly available exploit exists significantly increases the risk profile, as it removes the requirement for advanced technical skills to weaponize the vulnerability. Additionally, since the GL-MT3000 is commonly deployed in residential and small office environments, these devices often lack proper network segmentation, potentially allowing attackers to use compromised routers as entry points into larger corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from GL-iNet once available, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls limiting direct internet exposure of these devices through firewall rules and network segmentation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, highlighting the need for robust input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. The vendor's confirmation of the vulnerability validates the severity assessment and underscores the importance of timely patch management procedures.