CVE-2024-28138 is an OS command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, affecting Image Access GmbH's Scan2Net product. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of special elements in the 'data' parameter of the 'msg_events.php' script accessible via the device's web interface. An attacker with network access can send crafted HTTP GET requests to this endpoint, injecting arbitrary OS commands that are executed with the privileges of the 'www-data' user, which is typically a web server user with limited but significant permissions. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.3, indicating high severity, with attack vector being network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:L/I:L/A:L). Although no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability's nature allows remote attackers to potentially take control of the device, execute arbitrary commands, and manipulate or disrupt scanning operations. The affected versions are not specifically enumerated beyond '0', suggesting possibly all current versions or a placeholder, so organizations should verify their product versions. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially those relying on Scan2Net devices for document scanning and imaging workflows. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution, allowing attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, disrupt scanning services, or use the compromised device as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. This can impact confidentiality by exposing scanned documents or system information, integrity by altering device configurations or scan outputs, and availability by causing denial of service or device malfunction. Critical sectors such as government, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that utilize these devices may face operational disruptions and data breaches. The unauthenticated nature of the attack and network accessibility increase the likelihood of exploitation, particularly in environments where device web interfaces are exposed or insufficiently segmented. The threat also extends to supply chain risks if attackers compromise scanning devices used in document processing pipelines.

1. Immediately restrict network access to Scan2Net devices by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit access to trusted management networks only. 2. Disable or restrict access to the web interface from untrusted networks, including the internet. 3. Monitor network traffic to and from Scan2Net devices for unusual HTTP GET requests targeting 'msg_events.php' with suspicious 'data' parameters. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with custom rules to detect and block command injection patterns targeting this endpoint. 5. Contact Image Access GmbH for official patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them as soon as available. 6. If patches are unavailable, consider temporary device isolation or replacement to mitigate risk. 7. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans on devices to detect similar injection flaws. 8. Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid detection and response.