CVE-2024-51024 is a command injection vulnerability affecting the D-Link DIR_823G router firmware version 1.0.2B05. The vulnerability resides in the SetWanSettings function, where the HostName parameter is not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary OS commands. This flaw is classified under CWE-78, which involves improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, enabling command injection attacks. Exploitation requires low privileges (PR:L) and can be performed remotely over the network (AV:A) without user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H) of the device, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full device compromise, data theft, or disruption of network services. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.0, indicating high severity. No known public exploits exist yet, but the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a critical concern. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for temporary mitigations. This vulnerability primarily affects organizations and individuals using the specified D-Link router model, especially in environments where these devices manage WAN settings and network traffic.

The impact of CVE-2024-51024 is significant for organizations relying on the D-Link DIR_823G router. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands remotely, potentially leading to full device compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to internal networks, interception or manipulation of network traffic, disruption of internet connectivity, and deployment of further malware or lateral movement within the network. Confidential information stored or transmitted through the router may be exposed or altered. The availability of network services can be disrupted, affecting business continuity. Given the router’s role as a WAN gateway, exploitation could serve as a foothold for attackers targeting broader organizational infrastructure. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation without user interaction increases the risk of automated attacks or wormable scenarios once exploits become public. Organizations worldwide using this router model in critical or sensitive environments face elevated risks of espionage, data breaches, and operational disruption.

1. Immediately restrict access to the router’s management interfaces, especially from untrusted networks, by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation. 2. Disable remote WAN management features if not required to reduce the attack surface. 3. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual commands or behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Employ network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics targeting command injection patterns. 5. Regularly update router firmware and apply vendor patches as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 6. If patching is delayed, consider replacing affected devices with models not impacted by this vulnerability or using alternative secure network equipment. 7. Educate IT staff on the risks of command injection vulnerabilities and ensure secure configuration practices are followed. 8. Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing focusing on network devices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.