CVE-2026-22222 is an OS Command Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, found in the web modules of TP-Link Archer BE230 v1.2 devices before firmware version 1.2.4 (Build 20251218 rel.70420). The flaw allows an attacker with adjacent network access and authenticated high privileges to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands on the device. This is due to improper neutralization of special elements in input passed to OS commands, enabling command injection through multiple distinct code paths. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full administrative control over the device, which can lead to unauthorized configuration changes, disruption of network services, and potential pivoting to other network assets. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require authentication with high privileges, limiting the attack surface to insiders or compromised accounts. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:L/SI:L/SA:L) reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with relatively low complexity for an attacker who has the required privileges. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of multiple similar injection flaws in the product line indicates a systemic issue in input validation. The vulnerability was reserved in early January 2026 and published in February 2026, emphasizing the need for prompt patching.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including full compromise of affected TP-Link Archer BE230 devices, which are often used in small to medium business and home office environments. Attackers gaining administrative control could alter device configurations, intercept or redirect network traffic, disrupt internet connectivity, or use the device as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. This threatens confidentiality of sensitive data, integrity of network configurations, and availability of critical network services. Given the device’s role as a network gateway, compromise could also facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks or enable persistent backdoors. The requirement for adjacent network access and authenticated high privileges somewhat limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised credentials remain significant risks. The impact is heightened in environments where these devices are deployed without strict network segmentation or monitoring. Additionally, the lack of known public exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations should not delay remediation.

European organizations should immediately verify if they use TP-Link Archer BE230 v1.2 devices and confirm firmware versions. Upgrading all affected devices to firmware version 1.2.4 or later is the primary mitigation step. If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict access to device management interfaces to trusted administrators only, preferably via isolated management VLANs or VPNs. Implement strong authentication mechanisms and monitor for unusual administrative activity or command execution patterns on these devices. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit adjacent network access to the devices. Employ intrusion detection systems capable of identifying OS command injection attempts or anomalous device behavior. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for signs of compromise. Coordinate with TP-Link for any additional security advisories or patches addressing related injection flaws. Finally, educate network administrators about the risks of OS command injection and the importance of applying vendor updates promptly.