CVE-2024-38894 identifies a command injection vulnerability in the WAVLINK WN551K1 router model. The flaw exists in the handling of the IP parameter within the /cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi CGI script. Specifically, the device fails to properly sanitize or neutralize special characters in this parameter, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands. This vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as the attacker could potentially execute commands to gather sensitive information or manipulate device behavior, though integrity and availability impacts are not indicated. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77, which involves improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of publication (June 24, 2024), and no active exploitation has been reported. The medium CVSS score of 5.3 reflects the moderate risk posed by this vulnerability, balancing ease of exploitation with limited impact scope.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for unauthorized command execution on the affected device, which could lead to information disclosure or unauthorized access to device internals. While the CVSS score suggests limited confidentiality impact and no direct integrity or availability compromise, attackers could leverage this flaw to gather sensitive configuration data or network information. For organizations relying on WAVLINK WN551K1 routers, especially in environments where these devices manage critical network segments or sensitive data flows, this vulnerability could serve as an entry point for further lateral movement or reconnaissance. The lack of authentication requirement and network accessibility increases the risk of remote exploitation. However, the absence of known exploits and patches currently limits immediate widespread impact. Nonetheless, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to network security posture and requires timely attention.

Organizations should immediately restrict network access to the /cgi-bin/touchlist_sync.cgi endpoint, ideally limiting it to trusted management networks or VPNs. Implement network-level filtering or firewall rules to block external access to the device's management interfaces. Monitor device logs for unusual or suspicious requests targeting the IP parameter of the CGI script. Since no official patches are available, consider isolating affected devices from critical network segments until a vendor fix is released. Engage with WAVLINK support channels to obtain information on forthcoming patches or firmware updates. Additionally, conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on this and similar CGI endpoints to detect exploitation attempts. Employ network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) with signatures tuned to detect command injection patterns targeting this vulnerability. Finally, maintain an inventory of all WAVLINK devices to ensure comprehensive coverage of mitigation efforts.