CVE-2024-57223 is a critical command injection vulnerability identified in the Linksys E7350 router firmware version 1.1.00.032. The vulnerability resides in the apcli_wps_gen_pincode function, where the ifname parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary system commands remotely. This flaw is exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, making it highly dangerous. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), indicating that input passed to system commands is not correctly validated or escaped. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the ease of exploitation (network vector, low attack complexity), no privileges required, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits or patches are currently available, the critical nature of this vulnerability means attackers could leverage it to gain full control over affected devices, execute arbitrary code, disrupt network operations, or pivot into internal networks. The lack of a patch increases the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls and monitor their networks for signs of exploitation attempts.

The impact of CVE-2024-57223 is severe for organizations using Linksys E7350 routers. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete device compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to internal networks, interception or manipulation of network traffic, deployment of malware or ransomware, and disruption of network availability. Given the router's role as a network gateway, attackers could use compromised devices as footholds for lateral movement, data exfiltration, or launching further attacks. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation and lack of authentication requirements increase the risk of widespread attacks, especially in environments where these routers are deployed in consumer, small business, or branch office settings without robust network segmentation or monitoring. The absence of patches means organizations must rely on network-level mitigations and vigilant detection to reduce risk.

1. Immediately isolate Linksys E7350 routers running firmware version 1.1.00.032 from untrusted networks, especially the internet, to prevent remote exploitation. 2. Implement strict network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable devices only to trusted management networks. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual or suspicious activity targeting the router’s management interfaces or the apcli_wps_gen_pincode function. 4. Disable WPS functionality if possible, as the vulnerability is related to the WPS PIN generation function. 5. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with updated signatures to detect attempts to exploit command injection via the ifname parameter. 6. Contact Linksys support or monitor official channels for firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider replacing vulnerable devices with models not affected by this vulnerability if immediate patching is not feasible. 8. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and enforce strong network access controls and monitoring.