CVE-2024-39760 is a critical command injection vulnerability identified in the Wavlink AC3000 router firmware version M33A8.V5030.210505. The flaw resides in the login.cgi script, specifically within the set_sys_init() function that processes the restart_min_value POST parameter. Due to improper neutralization of special elements (CWE-77), an attacker can inject arbitrary OS commands through this parameter. The vulnerability is exploitable via unauthenticated HTTP requests, meaning no credentials or user interaction are required. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process, which on embedded router devices typically equates to full system control. This can lead to device takeover, persistent malware installation, network traffic interception, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10.0, reflecting its critical nature with network attack vector, no required privileges, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the straightforward attack vector and severity necessitate urgent attention. The affected firmware version is M33A8.V5030.210505, and no official patches or mitigations have been published at the time of disclosure. This vulnerability underscores the risks of exposed management interfaces on consumer and SMB networking equipment and the importance of secure coding practices in embedded device firmware.

The impact of CVE-2024-39760 on European organizations can be severe. Compromise of Wavlink AC3000 routers could lead to full device takeover, allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic, potentially exposing sensitive data and intellectual property. This can disrupt business operations by causing network outages or degraded performance. Attackers could also use compromised routers as footholds to launch further attacks within corporate networks, increasing the risk of data breaches or ransomware infections. Given the unauthenticated nature of the exploit, any exposed device on the internet or accessible internal network segments is at risk. For organizations relying on these routers in critical infrastructure or remote offices, the threat extends to operational technology and supply chain security. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network communications are all at high risk, potentially affecting compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR. The lack of available patches increases the urgency for interim mitigations to reduce exposure.

1. Immediately identify all Wavlink AC3000 devices running firmware version M33A8.V5030.210505 within your network environment. 2. Restrict access to router management interfaces by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to block HTTP access from untrusted networks, especially the internet. 3. Disable remote management features if not required or restrict them to trusted IP addresses only. 4. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual HTTP POST requests targeting login.cgi or other suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. If possible, replace affected devices with models from vendors with a strong security track record or updated firmware. 6. Regularly check Wavlink’s official channels for firmware updates or security advisories addressing this vulnerability and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Employ network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. 8. Educate IT staff about the risks of exposed management interfaces and the importance of secure configuration. 9. Consider deploying network-level web application firewalls (WAF) to filter malicious HTTP requests targeting vulnerable endpoints. 10. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly isolate and remediate compromised devices.