CVE-2024-1655: ASUS WiFi Router RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-1655 Overview

CVE-2024-1655 is an OS command injection vulnerability affecting certain ASUS WiFi router models. An authenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary system commands by sending a specially crafted request to the affected device. The flaw is classified under [CWE-78], improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command.

Successful exploitation grants attackers command execution in the router's operating system context. This allows manipulation of network traffic, deployment of persistent implants, and lateral movement into connected networks. The vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 8.8 and an EPSS probability of 2.025% at the 79th percentile.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands on affected ASUS WiFi routers, enabling full device compromise and pivot into internal networks.

Affected Products

Certain ASUS WiFi router models (specific models identified in the TW-CERT advisory)
Router firmware versions predating the ASUS security patch
Web management interface exposed to authenticated users

Discovery Timeline

2024-04-15 - CVE-2024-1655 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-1655

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-1655 is an OS command injection flaw ([CWE-78]) in the management interface of affected ASUS WiFi routers. The device fails to properly neutralize user-supplied input before passing it to a system shell. An attacker who holds valid credentials can inject shell metacharacters into a vulnerable request parameter.

Once injected, the crafted payload is executed with the privileges of the router's web management process, typically root on consumer network devices. This class of vulnerability commonly targets CGI handlers or administrative endpoints that invoke system utilities without sanitization. The result is arbitrary command execution on the underlying Linux-based firmware.

Compromised routers become platforms for traffic interception, DNS hijacking, credential theft, and botnet recruitment. Attackers with router-level access can also modify firewall rules and expose internal hosts to the internet.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation on a router administrative endpoint. Parameters supplied in HTTP requests are concatenated into shell command strings without escaping or allow-list filtering. Shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, and backticks are interpreted by the shell rather than treated as literal input.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access to the router's management interface and valid authentication credentials. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. An attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing shell metacharacters embedded in a vulnerable parameter. The router's backend passes this input to a shell interpreter, executing the injected commands.

Routers exposing management interfaces to the WAN, or using default or weak credentials, expand the attack surface. Post-authentication access can also be obtained through credential reuse or phishing against router administrators.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. For technical details, refer to the TW-CERT Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-1655

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected outbound connections from the router to unknown hosts, particularly on non-standard ports
Modified router configuration files, firewall rules, or DNS settings that were not authorized by administrators
Unusual processes running on the router or new persistent binaries in writable firmware locations
HTTP request logs containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, backticks) in administrative endpoint parameters

Detection Strategies

Inspect router web access logs for POST or GET requests to administrative endpoints containing suspicious characters or encoded shell payloads
Monitor authentication logs for anomalous administrative logins, especially from external IP addresses
Deploy network intrusion detection signatures that flag command injection patterns targeting router management URLs

Monitoring Recommendations

Baseline expected router-originated network traffic and alert on deviations such as new outbound destinations or protocols
Forward router syslog data to a centralized SIEM for correlation with endpoint and identity telemetry
Track firmware version and configuration hash across the fleet to identify unauthorized changes

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-1655

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the latest firmware update from ASUS for all affected router models as soon as it is available
Disable remote WAN-side administrative access to the router web interface until patched
Rotate administrative credentials and enforce strong, unique passwords on every affected device
Audit connected clients and inspect router configuration for unauthorized changes

Patch Information

ASUS has published firmware updates that remediate the command injection flaw. Administrators should consult the TW-CERT Security Advisory for the list of affected models and corresponding fixed firmware versions. Apply the patch through the router's official update mechanism or by downloading firmware directly from the ASUS support portal.

Workarounds

Restrict access to the router administrative interface to trusted LAN segments only
Place the router management VLAN behind a firewall that blocks untrusted inbound connections
Enable multi-factor authentication on router accounts where supported by the firmware
Disable unused services such as remote management, UPnP, and cloud-based administration features

bash

# Configuration example: restrict router management access
# Block WAN-side access to the router web interface
iptables -I INPUT -i eth0 -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -I INPUT -i eth0 -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

# Allow management only from trusted LAN subnet
iptables -I INPUT -s 192.168.1.0/24 -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT