CVE-2024-38895 is a vulnerability identified in the WAVLINK WN551K1 router model, specifically related to the 'live_mfg.shtml' web page. This page can be accessed remotely without authentication, allowing attackers to retrieve sensitive information about the router. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-202, indicating an improper lockout mechanism or insufficient access control that fails to prevent unauthorized information disclosure. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N) shows that the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, but only impacts confidentiality to a limited extent. The disclosed information could include configuration details or manufacturing data that might facilitate further targeted attacks or reconnaissance. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and there are no known exploits actively used in the wild. The vulnerability's presence in a consumer-grade router model means it could be widespread in home and small office environments, potentially exposing many users to information leakage risks. Given the lack of authentication on the affected page, attackers can easily probe devices exposed to the internet or accessible within local networks. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper access controls on router management interfaces and the risks of exposing manufacturing or diagnostic pages to unauthorized users.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-38895 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive router information, which can compromise confidentiality. While it does not directly affect integrity or availability, the leaked information could be leveraged by attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks, such as targeted exploits or network infiltration. Organizations using the affected WAVLINK WN551K1 routers may face increased risk of reconnaissance by malicious actors, potentially leading to further compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where these routers are exposed to untrusted networks or the internet, as attackers can remotely access the vulnerable page without authentication. This could affect home users, small businesses, and possibly larger organizations relying on these devices for network connectivity. The lack of patches increases the window of exposure, and the moderate CVSS score reflects a tangible but not critical risk. Overall, the vulnerability could degrade the security posture of affected networks by revealing internal device details that should remain confidential.

To mitigate CVE-2024-38895, organizations and users should first restrict access to the 'live_mfg.shtml' page by implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules to block external access to router management interfaces. Disabling remote management features on the router, if enabled, can reduce exposure. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate routers from untrusted networks and limit access to trusted administrators only. Monitoring network traffic for unusual requests to the affected page can help detect exploitation attempts. If possible, users should contact WAVLINK support for firmware updates or advisories addressing this vulnerability. Until an official patch is available, consider replacing vulnerable devices with models that have stronger access controls. Additionally, changing default credentials and ensuring all router management interfaces require strong authentication can help mitigate risks from related vulnerabilities. Regularly auditing router configurations and firmware versions is recommended to maintain security hygiene.