CVE-2026-24714 identifies a vulnerability in certain NETGEAR products that have reached end-of-service status but still include an undocumented feature known as 'TelnetEnable.' This feature can be triggered remotely by sending a specially crafted magic packet, which activates the Telnet service on the device without any authentication or user interaction. Telnet is a legacy protocol known for transmitting data in plaintext, making it inherently insecure. The activation of Telnet via this hidden feature effectively creates a backdoor, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized remote access to the device. The vulnerability is network exploitable (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and affects the integrity of the device (I:H) but not confidentiality or availability. The CVSS 3.0 vector is AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N, resulting in a score of 7.5, classified as high severity. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the risk is significant due to the ease of exploitation and potential for attackers to manipulate device configurations or pivot into internal networks. The vulnerability primarily affects versions of NETGEAR products that still retain this 'TelnetEnable' functionality, typically older or end-of-life models. The lack of official patches or updates for these end-of-service devices increases the risk for organizations that continue to use them. The presence of such undocumented features is a known security anti-pattern, as it bypasses normal security controls and can be exploited by attackers who discover the magic packet signature.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for those relying on legacy NETGEAR networking equipment in critical infrastructure, enterprise networks, or sensitive environments. Unauthorized activation of Telnet could allow attackers to gain remote shell access, leading to unauthorized configuration changes, installation of malware, or lateral movement within the network. This compromises the integrity of network devices and can facilitate further attacks on connected systems. Since the vulnerability does not impact confidentiality directly, data leakage risk is lower, but the integrity compromise can disrupt network operations and trustworthiness of network devices. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attackers can exploit this remotely and silently, increasing the likelihood of undetected breaches. European sectors such as telecommunications, government, healthcare, and finance, which often use NETGEAR devices for network connectivity, could face operational disruptions and increased risk of espionage or sabotage. The end-of-service status of affected devices means no official patches are likely forthcoming, complicating remediation efforts and increasing long-term exposure.

European organizations should take immediate and specific steps to mitigate this vulnerability beyond generic advice. First, identify all NETGEAR devices in the network inventory and determine which models and firmware versions include the 'TelnetEnable' feature. For devices confirmed to be vulnerable, disable Telnet access entirely if the device interface allows it, or block Telnet ports (typically TCP 23) at network firewalls and internal segmentation points to prevent remote activation. If possible, replace end-of-service NETGEAR devices with supported models that receive security updates. For devices that must remain in use, isolate them on dedicated network segments with strict access controls and monitoring to detect anomalous magic packet traffic or Telnet activation attempts. Implement network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) with custom signatures to detect the specific magic packet pattern used to trigger TelnetEnable. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for signs of unauthorized Telnet activation or access. Engage with NETGEAR support or security advisories for any unofficial patches or workarounds. Finally, educate network administrators about the risks of undocumented features and the importance of decommissioning unsupported hardware.