CVE-2024-10428 Overview
CVE-2024-10428 is a command injection vulnerability affecting WAVLINK WN530H4, WN530HG4, and WN572HG3 wireless routers running firmware up to build 20221028. The flaw resides in the set_ipv6 function of firewall.cgi, where the dhcpGateway parameter is passed to a shell context without sanitization. Attackers can inject arbitrary operating system commands through crafted HTTP requests to the router's web management interface. The vendor was contacted prior to public disclosure but did not respond, and no patch is available. Public exploit details have been released, increasing the risk of active exploitation against exposed devices [CWE-77].
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants command execution on the router, enabling full device takeover, traffic interception, and pivoting into connected networks.
Affected Products
- WAVLINK WN530H4 firmware 20220721
- WAVLINK WN530HG4 firmware 20220809
- WAVLINK WN572HG3 firmware 20221028
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-27 - CVE-2024-10428 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-10428
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the IPv6 firewall configuration handler exposed through firewall.cgi on the WAVLINK web administration interface. The set_ipv6 function accepts a dhcpGateway parameter from HTTP requests and passes the value into a downstream shell invocation, likely as part of a system configuration command. Because the input is neither validated nor escaped, shell metacharacters such as backticks, semicolons, or command substitution operators are interpreted by the underlying shell. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-77] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command.
Exploitation runs code in the context of the web server process, which on embedded WAVLINK devices typically executes as root. This yields complete control over the router firmware, filesystem, and network stack.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation on the dhcpGateway argument inside set_ipv6. Rather than treating the parameter as a structured IPv6 address, the CGI handler concatenates the raw string into a shell command line. No allowlist, regex validation, or safe API is used to enforce the expected format.
Attack Vector
The attack is remotely reachable across the network on any interface where the WAVLINK administrative CGI is exposed. Exploitation requires authenticated access to the management interface, but many deployments retain default or weak credentials. An attacker sends a crafted POST request to firewall.cgi invoking set_ipv6 with a dhcpGateway value containing shell command separators followed by attacker-controlled commands. The injected commands execute on the router with the privileges of the web server. See the VulDB entry #281969 and the technical write-up for parameter details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-10428
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests targeting firewall.cgi containing the dhcpGateway parameter with shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, $(, or backticks.
- Unexpected outbound connections from the router to external hosts, particularly on non-standard ports.
- New or modified processes on the device that are not part of standard WAVLINK firmware.
- Configuration changes to firewall rules, DNS servers, or administrative credentials that were not initiated by an administrator.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and CGI access logs on WAVLINK devices for requests to firewall.cgi referencing set_ipv6 with malformed dhcpGateway values.
- Deploy network intrusion detection signatures that flag HTTP request bodies containing shell metacharacters within router administrative endpoints.
- Correlate authentication events with configuration-modification requests to identify credential-based abuse of the management interface.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor perimeter traffic for HTTP or HTTPS management sessions reaching WAVLINK routers from untrusted networks.
- Alert on any outbound connection initiated by a router that does not match approved firmware update or DNS destinations.
- Baseline DNS query patterns from the router itself; deviation may indicate implant activity following exploitation.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-10428
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted management VLANs or hosts only.
- Disable remote (WAN-side) administration on affected WAVLINK devices.
- Change default and weak administrative credentials to reduce the pre-conditions for exploitation.
- Segment WAVLINK routers from sensitive internal assets pending vendor remediation.
Patch Information
WAVLINK has not published a security advisory or firmware update addressing CVE-2024-10428. The vendor did not respond to disclosure attempts. Organizations should treat affected models WN530H4, WN530HG4, and WN572HG3 running firmware up to 20221028 as unpatched and consider replacement with a supported device.
Workarounds
- Place the router's administrative interface behind a firewall that blocks inbound HTTP/HTTPS from untrusted sources.
- Require VPN access before permitting connections to the router's management portal.
- Monitor for and drop HTTP requests containing shell metacharacters in dhcpGateway or similar CGI parameters at an upstream inspection point.
- Retire vulnerable WAVLINK models where compensating controls are not feasible.
# Example: block inbound access to WAVLINK management interface at an upstream firewall
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <wavlink_router_ip> --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <wavlink_router_ip> --dport 443 -j DROP
# Permit only a trusted management host
iptables -I FORWARD -p tcp -s <trusted_mgmt_host> -d <wavlink_router_ip> --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
