CVE-2024-38894
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a command injection vulnerability in WAVLINK WN551K1 routers where attackers can execute arbitrary commands via the IP parameter in the /cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi endpoint. This allows remote code execution on affected devices. Users of WAVLINK WN551K1 routers are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WAVLINK WN551K1
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing installation of persistent malware, network pivoting, credential theft, and participation in botnets.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers executing commands to disrupt device functionality, steal credentials, or use the device for DDoS attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with restricted web interface access and proper network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint. Public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub repository.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check WAVLINK website for firmware updates. 2. Download latest firmware. 3. Access router web interface. 4. Navigate to firmware update section. 5. Upload and apply new firmware. 6. Reboot device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block Web Interface Access
linuxRestrict access to router web management interface using firewall rules
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disable CGI Endpoint
linuxRemove or restrict access to vulnerable touchlist_sync.cgi endpoint
mv /www/cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi /www/cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi.disabled
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices in separate network segment with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests to /cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Send HTTP POST request to http://[router-ip]/cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi with malicious IP parameter and observe responseCheck Version:
Check firmware version in router web interface or via SSH if availableVerify Fix Applied:
Test if command injection payloads no longer execute after applying firmware update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi
- Suspicious commands in web server logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing shell metacharacters in IP parameter
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source="router-logs" AND uri="/cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi" AND (payload="|" OR payload="$" OR payload="&" OR payload=";")