CVE-2024-40119 identifies a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the Nepstech Wifi Router xpon (terminal) model NTPL-Xpon1GFEVN running firmware version 2.0.1. The vulnerability resides in the password change functionality of the router's web-based administrative interface. CSRF vulnerabilities allow attackers to trick authenticated users into submitting unwanted requests to the router without their knowledge or consent. In this case, an attacker can craft a malicious webpage or link that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, triggers a password change request. Because the router lacks proper CSRF protections (such as anti-CSRF tokens or origin validation), the router processes the request, changing the admin password to a value controlled by the attacker. This leads to a complete account takeover, granting the attacker administrative control over the device. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 indicates a high-severity issue with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction (visiting a malicious page). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (attacker gains admin credentials), integrity (attacker can modify router settings), and availability (attacker can disrupt network services). No patches or official fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-352, which covers CSRF issues. Given the critical role of routers in network infrastructure, exploitation could facilitate further lateral movement, data interception, or denial of service within affected networks.

The impact of CVE-2024-40119 is significant for organizations using the affected Nepstech router model. An attacker gaining administrative access can alter network configurations, redirect traffic, disable security features, or install persistent backdoors. This compromises the confidentiality of network communications, integrity of network operations, and availability of services relying on the router. In enterprise or ISP environments, this could lead to widespread network outages, data breaches, or facilitate further attacks on connected systems. Because the vulnerability requires only that an authenticated user visit a malicious webpage, social engineering or phishing campaigns could be effective attack vectors. The lack of authentication requirements for the attacker and the low complexity of exploitation increase the threat level. Organizations with remote management enabled or exposed router interfaces are especially vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk but also means attackers may develop exploits soon. Overall, the vulnerability poses a high risk of unauthorized network control and potential downstream compromise.

To mitigate CVE-2024-40119, organizations should immediately restrict access to the router’s administrative interface by limiting it to trusted internal networks and disabling remote management if not required. Implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general user traffic. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and block suspicious CSRF attack patterns. Users should be educated to avoid clicking on untrusted links or visiting suspicious websites while logged into router management portals. Nepstech should be engaged to provide a firmware update that includes proper CSRF protections such as anti-CSRF tokens, origin header validation, and enforcing same-site cookie policies. Until a patch is available, consider resetting the router to factory defaults and changing default credentials to strong, unique passwords. Regularly monitor router logs for unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes. Network administrators should audit all routers for this model and firmware version to identify and remediate vulnerable devices. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for router access if supported to reduce risk of account takeover.