CVE-2024-0919: TRENDnet TEW-815DAP Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-0919 Overview

CVE-2024-0919 is a command injection vulnerability affecting the TRENDnet TEW-815DAP wireless access point running firmware version 1.0.2.0. The flaw resides in the do_setNTP function of the POST request handler. Attackers can manipulate the NtpDstStart and NtpDstEnd parameters to inject arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network and has been publicly disclosed with technical details available via VulDB (identifier VDB-252123). TRENDnet was contacted regarding the disclosure but did not respond, leaving the device without a vendor-supplied patch.

Critical Impact

Authenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands on affected TEW-815DAP devices, potentially gaining full control of the access point and pivoting into internal networks.

Affected Products

• TRENDnet TEW-815DAP firmware version 1.0.2.0
• TRENDnet TEW-815DAP hardware access point
• Deployments exposing the device management interface to untrusted networks

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-01-26 - CVE-2024-0919 published to NVD with public disclosure via VulDB entry 252123
• 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-0919

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a command injection flaw classified under [CWE-77]. The do_setNTP handler in the TEW-815DAP web management interface accepts user-supplied values for the Network Time Protocol (NTP) daylight saving time boundary parameters NtpDstStart and NtpDstEnd. These values are passed into a shell context without adequate sanitization or argument escaping.

An attacker who can reach the device management interface and submit POST requests can embed shell metacharacters in these parameters. The injected commands execute in the context of the web server process, which on embedded access points typically runs with elevated privileges. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device.

The EPSS score for CVE-2024-0919 is 22.549% (97.53 percentile), reflecting elevated real-world exploitation probability given the public disclosure and absence of a vendor patch.

Root Cause

The root cause is the direct use of untrusted HTTP POST parameters as arguments to a shell command or system()-style call inside the do_setNTP function. The firmware does not validate the format of NTP daylight saving time values, nor does it escape shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, and backticks before invoking the underlying system utility that applies the NTP configuration.

Attack Vector

The attack is delivered over the network via crafted POST requests to the device's HTTP management interface. Exploitation requires authenticated access to the web administration panel, consistent with the high privileges-required rating in the CVSS vector. Once authenticated, an attacker submits a POST request to the NTP configuration endpoint with malicious payloads in the NtpDstStart or NtpDstEnd fields. Shell metacharacters break out of the intended argument and append attacker-controlled commands. Additional technical analysis is available in the VulDB entry for CVE-2024-0919 and the Notion Analysis of the TEW-815DAP.

No verified proof-of-concept code is included here. Refer to the linked references for exploitation details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0919

Indicators of Compromise

• POST requests to the device management interface containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, `, $() within the NtpDstStart or NtpDstEnd parameters
• Unexpected outbound connections originating from the access point to attacker infrastructure
• Unauthorized configuration changes or new administrative accounts on the TEW-815DAP
• Anomalous DNS resolutions or NTP-related processes spawning child shells on the device

Detection Strategies

• Inspect HTTP/HTTPS traffic to TEW-815DAP management interfaces for POST payloads targeting NTP endpoints with non-numeric or metacharacter content
• Monitor network segments hosting the device for lateral movement, port scanning, or reverse shell traffic originating from the access point's IP
• Correlate authentication events on the device with subsequent configuration API calls to identify credential compromise followed by exploitation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Forward device syslog and authentication logs to a centralized SIEM for long-term retention and correlation
• Baseline normal administrative activity for the device and alert on deviations, such as after-hours configuration changes
• Deploy network detection rules that flag command injection patterns in HTTP POST bodies targeting embedded device management ports

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0919

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the TEW-815DAP web management interface to trusted management VLANs or specific administrator IP addresses only
• Rotate all administrative credentials on affected devices and enforce strong, unique passwords
• Disable remote management from WAN interfaces if the feature is enabled
• Inventory all TEW-815DAP units on the network and prioritize isolation of internet-exposed devices

Patch Information

At the time of the last NVD update on 2026-06-17, TRENDnet has not published a security advisory or firmware update addressing CVE-2024-0919. The vendor did not respond to disclosure attempts. Organizations should assume the vulnerability remains unpatched and plan for device replacement or compensating controls. Monitor the TRENDnet support site for future firmware releases and consult the VulDB CTI entry for updates.

Workarounds

• Segment TEW-815DAP devices onto isolated management networks with no direct user or internet reachability
• Place a Layer 7 firewall or web application firewall in front of the management interface to filter POST requests containing shell metacharacters in NTP parameters
• Replace end-of-support or unpatched TEW-815DAP units with actively maintained access points that receive vendor security updates
• Disable the NTP configuration feature if not required, or configure NTP through provisioning tools that bypass the vulnerable web endpoint

# Example iptables rule to restrict management access to a trusted subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 10.10.20.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.20.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP