CVE-2026-22227 is an OS command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, affecting TP-Link Archer BE230 v1.2 routers before firmware version 1.2.4 Build 20251218 rel.70420. The flaw resides in the configuration backup restoration function, which improperly neutralizes special characters in user-supplied input. An attacker with administrative privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious OS commands during the restoration process. This leads to arbitrary command execution on the device's underlying operating system, granting the attacker full administrative control. Such control enables manipulation or corruption of device configurations, disruption of network services, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability requires authenticated access with high privileges but does not require user interaction beyond that. The CVSS v4.0 score of 8.5 reflects its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with relatively low attack complexity and no need for user interaction. Although no public exploits are known yet, the vulnerability is critical due to the potential for severe network compromise. This CVE is one of multiple OS command injection issues identified in the product, each tracked separately. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure input validation in embedded device management interfaces.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2026-22227 could lead to complete compromise of affected TP-Link Archer BE230 routers, which are commonly used in small to medium enterprise and home office environments. Attackers gaining administrative control can alter device configurations, disable security features, intercept or redirect network traffic, and disrupt service availability. This can result in data breaches, unauthorized access to internal networks, and prolonged downtime. Given the role of routers as network gateways, such compromise can facilitate further attacks against internal systems. The impact is particularly severe for organizations relying on these devices for critical connectivity or those lacking network segmentation. Additionally, compromised routers can be leveraged as entry points for supply chain attacks or as part of botnets, amplifying the threat landscape. The vulnerability's requirement for administrative authentication limits exposure but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with weak credential management or insider threats.

1. Immediately update affected TP-Link Archer BE230 devices to firmware version 1.2.4 Build 20251218 rel.70420 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict administrative access to the router's management interface by limiting it to trusted IP addresses or VPN connections. 3. Enforce strong, unique administrative passwords and implement multi-factor authentication if supported. 4. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual activities, such as unexpected configuration changes or command executions. 5. Disable remote management features if not required to reduce the attack surface. 6. Conduct regular audits of device firmware versions across the organization to ensure timely patching. 7. Segment networks to isolate critical assets from devices that may be vulnerable. 8. Educate administrators on the risks of configuration restoration from untrusted sources and verify backup integrity before restoration. 9. Employ network intrusion detection systems capable of identifying command injection attempts or anomalous router behavior.