The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54751 affects the COMFAST CF-WR630AX router running firmware version 2.7.0.2. The core issue is a hardcoded password embedded within the /etc/shadow file, which is the standard Linux system file storing hashed user passwords. This hardcoded password allows attackers to authenticate as the root user without any prior credentials, effectively bypassing all authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring any privileges or user interaction, making it highly accessible to attackers. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this flaw, with attack vector being network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The CWE-276 classification indicates improper handling of credentials, specifically hardcoded passwords, which is a well-known security anti-pattern. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the presence of a hardcoded root password is a severe security risk that could be leveraged for complete device takeover, enabling attackers to manipulate network traffic, deploy malware, or pivot to internal networks. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for defensive measures.

The impact of CVE-2024-54751 is severe for organizations using the COMFAST CF-WR630AX router. Successful exploitation grants attackers root-level control over the device, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network. Attackers can intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic, potentially leading to data breaches or espionage. The compromised router could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate or critical infrastructure networks, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. Additionally, attackers could disrupt network services by altering configurations or launching denial-of-service attacks. The vulnerability poses a significant threat to enterprises, service providers, and government agencies relying on this hardware, especially in environments where network security depends on the integrity of edge devices. The ease of exploitation and lack of required authentication amplify the risk, making it a prime target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors aiming to infiltrate sensitive networks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-54751, organizations should immediately identify and isolate all COMFAST CF-WR630AX routers running vulnerable firmware version 2.7.0.2. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to these devices from untrusted networks. Access control lists (ACLs) and firewall rules should restrict management interfaces to trusted IP addresses only. Continuous monitoring for unusual login attempts or root access should be implemented using network and host-based intrusion detection systems. Since no official patches are currently available, consider replacing affected devices with alternative hardware or firmware versions without this vulnerability. If possible, manually change or remove hardcoded credentials by accessing the device console, though this may be limited by device design. Engage with COMFAST support for firmware updates or advisories. Additionally, implement strong network-level authentication and encryption to reduce exposure. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to detect exploitation attempts.