CVE-2024-51008 is a command injection vulnerability identified in the Netgear XR300 router firmware version 1.0.3.78. The vulnerability resides in the system_name parameter processed by the wiz_dyn.cgi endpoint, which fails to properly sanitize user input. This improper input validation allows an attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands by crafting malicious requests to the device's web interface. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.0, indicating high severity, with an attack vector of adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Exploitation does not require user interaction, making it easier for attackers with network access to leverage this flaw. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for complete device compromise, including executing arbitrary commands that could lead to data theft, device manipulation, or denial of service. The lack of an official patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to mitigation strategies. The vulnerability affects a specific firmware version of a widely used consumer and small business router, which may be deployed in various organizational environments.

The impact of CVE-2024-51008 is substantial for organizations using the Netgear XR300 router. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands remotely, which can lead to full device compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to network traffic, interception or manipulation of data, disruption of network services, and potential pivoting to internal networks for further attacks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers may access sensitive information passing through the device. Integrity is compromised because attackers can alter device configurations or inject malicious payloads. Availability can be affected if attackers disrupt router functionality or cause denial of service. Given the router’s role as a network gateway, the vulnerability could serve as a foothold for broader network intrusions. Organizations relying on this device for critical network infrastructure, including small to medium enterprises and home offices, face increased exposure. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency for mitigation, as public exploit development is likely following disclosure.

1. Immediately restrict access to the router’s management interface (wiz_dyn.cgi) to trusted IP addresses or internal networks only, using firewall rules or access control lists. 2. Disable remote management features if not required, especially from untrusted networks. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual or suspicious requests targeting the system_name parameter or the wiz_dyn.cgi endpoint. 4. Implement network segmentation to isolate the router management interface from general user networks. 5. Regularly audit router configurations and logs for signs of unauthorized access or command execution. 6. Apply vendor-provided firmware updates or patches as soon as they become available. 7. If patches are unavailable, consider replacing affected devices with models not vulnerable to this issue. 8. Educate network administrators about the vulnerability and signs of exploitation attempts. 9. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems capable of detecting command injection patterns targeting router management interfaces. 10. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly address potential compromises involving network infrastructure devices.