CVE-2024-57440 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the D-Link DSL-3788 revA1 router firmware version 1.01R1B036_EU_EN. The vulnerability resides in the COMM_MAKECustomMsg function within the webproc CGI component, which processes custom messages. A buffer overflow occurs when specially crafted input is sent to this function, leading to memory corruption. This flaw can be exploited remotely over the network without any authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to attackers. The primary consequence of successful exploitation is denial of service (DoS), as the overflow can crash or destabilize the device, impacting its availability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow), indicating improper bounds checking on input data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting high severity due to network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a significant impact on availability only. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The vulnerability affects a specific firmware version targeted at the European market, emphasizing the need for vigilance among users of this device. The lack of confidentiality or integrity impact reduces the risk of data theft or manipulation but does not diminish the operational disruption potential. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded device web interfaces and the need for timely firmware updates.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2024-57440 could lead to denial of service of affected D-Link DSL-3788 routers, disrupting internet connectivity and network operations. This is particularly critical for small and medium enterprises or residential users relying on this device for primary internet access. The loss of availability can impact business continuity, remote work capabilities, and access to cloud services. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, attackers can easily scan and target exposed devices on the internet or within internal networks. Although the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the operational impact of device crashes or reboots can cause significant downtime. Organizations in sectors with high dependency on stable internet connections, such as finance, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, may experience cascading effects from such outages. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but also indicates the potential for future exploitation once public awareness increases. Without available patches, organizations must rely on network-level mitigations and monitoring to reduce exposure. The impact is thus primarily on availability and operational resilience.

1. Monitor D-Link's official channels for firmware updates addressing CVE-2024-57440 and apply patches promptly once available. 2. Restrict access to the router's web interface (webproc CGI) by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to block external and unnecessary internal access. 3. Disable remote management features on the affected device if not required, reducing the attack surface. 4. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or anomaly detection to identify and block attempts to exploit the buffer overflow. 5. Regularly audit network devices for vulnerable firmware versions and replace or upgrade devices that cannot be patched. 6. Implement network-level rate limiting and filtering to prevent automated scanning and exploitation attempts. 7. Educate IT staff about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response to any signs of exploitation or device instability. 8. Maintain backups and contingency plans to restore network connectivity quickly in case of device failure due to exploitation.