The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32384 affects Kerlink gateways running KerOS versions prior to 5.10. These devices expose their web management interface exclusively over HTTP, lacking support for HTTPS or any form of transport layer encryption. This design flaw permits an attacker with network access to intercept and manipulate traffic between the client (administrator or user) and the gateway. The absence of encryption means sensitive data such as login credentials, configuration commands, and status information can be captured or altered in transit. The CVSS 3.1 vector (CVSS:3.1/AC:H/AV:N/A:N/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:U/UI:R) indicates that exploitation requires high attack complexity, no physical or network access beyond the local network, no privileges, and user interaction (e.g., accessing the web interface). The vulnerability primarily compromises confidentiality and integrity but does not impact availability. Although no public exploits have been reported, the risk is non-trivial given the critical role of Kerlink gateways in IoT and industrial environments. The lack of HTTPS support is a fundamental security oversight that can be mitigated by upgrading to KerOS 5.10 or later, which presumably adds HTTPS support. Additional mitigations include restricting network access to the management interface, employing VPNs or secure tunnels, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity.

For European organizations, especially those deploying Kerlink gateways in IoT, smart city, or industrial control systems, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of device management communications. An attacker exploiting this flaw could intercept administrative credentials or configuration data, potentially leading to unauthorized device control or data exfiltration. This could disrupt critical services, compromise data privacy, and facilitate further lateral movement within networks. The impact is heightened in sectors such as utilities, transportation, and manufacturing, where Kerlink gateways may be integral to operational technology (OT) environments. The lack of HTTPS also increases the risk of compliance violations under regulations like GDPR, which mandate protection of personal and sensitive data. Although availability is not directly affected, the indirect consequences of compromised device integrity could lead to operational disruptions.

1. Upgrade all Kerlink gateways to KerOS version 5.10 or later to ensure HTTPS support and encrypted management interfaces. 2. Implement strict network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general user networks and the internet. 3. Use VPNs or secure tunnels (e.g., SSH tunnels) to access the web interface remotely, preventing exposure over untrusted networks. 4. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and monitor access logs for unusual activity. 5. Deploy network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to detect potential man-in-the-middle or traffic manipulation attempts. 6. Educate administrators on the risks of accessing device interfaces over unsecured networks and encourage the use of secure channels. 7. Regularly audit device configurations and firmware versions to ensure compliance with security policies. 8. If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider disabling web interface access or restricting it to trusted IP addresses only.