CVE-2024-5295 is an OS command injection vulnerability identified in the D-Link G416 wireless router, version 1.08b02. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in user-supplied input that is passed to system calls within the router's HTTP service, which listens on TCP port 80. This flaw allows an attacker who is network-adjacent—meaning they can reach the router's HTTP interface over the network—to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the device. Notably, exploitation does not require any form of authentication or user interaction, significantly lowering the barrier for attackers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78, indicating improper validation of inputs used in OS command execution. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The root-level code execution capability means attackers can fully compromise the router, potentially intercepting, modifying, or disrupting network traffic, deploying malware, or pivoting to internal networks. No patches or official fixes have been released at the time of publication, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and documented by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-21294. The lack of authentication and ease of exploitation make this a critical threat to any organization using the affected router firmware.

The impact of CVE-2024-5295 is severe for organizations relying on the D-Link G416 router, as successful exploitation grants attackers root-level control over the device. This compromises the confidentiality of all network traffic passing through the router, enabling interception or redirection of sensitive data. Integrity is at risk since attackers can alter router configurations, inject malicious code, or deploy persistent backdoors. Availability may be disrupted by attackers causing device crashes or network outages. Given the router’s role as a network gateway, compromise can facilitate lateral movement into internal networks, exposing broader organizational assets. The lack of authentication requirement and remote code execution capability increase the likelihood of exploitation, especially in environments where the router’s HTTP interface is exposed or accessible to untrusted networks. This vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against enterprises, small businesses, or even home users, potentially leading to data breaches, espionage, or denial of service.

1. Immediately restrict access to the router’s HTTP management interface by disabling remote management over WAN and limiting access to trusted internal IP addresses only. 2. Employ network segmentation to isolate the router management interface from general user networks and untrusted devices. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual activity on TCP port 80, including unexpected commands or payloads targeting the router. 4. If possible, replace the affected firmware version 1.08b02 with a newer, patched version once available from D-Link. Until then, consider deploying alternative hardware or firmware that is not vulnerable. 5. Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics capable of detecting command injection attempts targeting the router’s HTTP service. 6. Regularly audit router configurations and logs for signs of compromise or unauthorized changes. 7. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and ensure they follow secure configuration best practices for network devices. 8. Consider disabling HTTP management entirely and switching to more secure management protocols such as HTTPS or SSH if supported by the device.