The vulnerability CVE-2024-32333 affects the TOTOLINK N300RT router firmware version V2.1.8-B20201030.1539 and is classified as a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) issue (CWE-79). It resides specifically in the MAC Filtering functionality within the Firewall configuration page of the router's web management interface. Stored XSS occurs when malicious input is saved by the application and later rendered in a web page without proper sanitization or encoding, allowing execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser. In this case, an authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts into the MAC Filtering settings, which are then stored and executed when the page is viewed. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a medium severity level with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L, meaning the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts availability only. The vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity but can cause denial of service or facilitate further attacks such as session hijacking or configuration manipulation if combined with other vulnerabilities. No patches or public exploits have been reported yet. The vulnerability highlights insufficient input validation and output encoding in the router's web interface, a common issue in embedded device management portals.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is on the availability of the affected router's web interface, potentially causing denial of service or degraded functionality through malicious script execution. While confidentiality and integrity are not directly impacted, the stored XSS could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, such as stealing session cookies, performing unauthorized actions on behalf of an authenticated user, or spreading malware within the local network. Organizations relying on TOTOLINK N300RT routers for network connectivity may experience service disruptions or compromised device management security. This is particularly concerning for small businesses or home users who may not have robust network segmentation or monitoring. The vulnerability requires low privileges but does necessitate authentication, limiting exploitation to insiders or attackers who have obtained valid credentials. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for firmware updates from TOTOLINK that address CVE-2024-32333 and apply them as soon as they become available. In the absence of patches, administrators should restrict access to the router's web interface to trusted networks only, preferably via VPN or secure management VLANs, to limit exposure. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and regularly change administrative credentials to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Disable or limit the use of the MAC Filtering feature if it is not essential, as this is the vulnerable component. Monitor router logs for unusual activity and consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can detect and block XSS payloads targeting the management interface. Educate users with access about the risks of stored XSS and encourage cautious behavior when interacting with router configuration pages. Finally, network segmentation and endpoint security controls can help contain potential impacts if exploitation occurs.