CVE-2024-20287: Cisco WAP371 Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-20287 Overview

A command injection vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of the Cisco WAP371 Wireless-AC/N Dual Radio Access Point (AP) with Single Point Setup. This vulnerability allows an authenticated, remote attacker with valid administrative credentials to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the affected device.

The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied input in the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the management interface, potentially leading to complete device compromise.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, enabling complete device takeover, network pivoting, and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network.

Affected Products

• Cisco WAP371 Wireless-AC/N Dual Radio Access Point
• Cisco WAP371 Firmware (all versions)
• Cisco WAP371 Hardware with Single Point Setup

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-01-17 - CVE-2024-20287 published to NVD
• 2025-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-20287

Vulnerability Analysis

This command injection vulnerability (CWE-77, CWE-88) affects the web-based management interface of Cisco WAP371 access points. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative credentials to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying device.

The vulnerability requires network access to the management interface and valid administrative credentials. Once authenticated, an attacker can bypass input validation controls and inject shell commands that execute with root-level privileges on the device's operating system.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper validation of user-supplied input within the web-based management interface. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate data received in HTTP requests before passing it to system-level command execution functions. This allows specially crafted input containing shell metacharacters or command separators to escape the intended context and execute arbitrary commands.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command - Command Injection) and CWE-88 (Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command - Argument Injection), indicating the application does not adequately neutralize special elements that could modify the intended operating system command.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to:

1. Have network access to the Cisco WAP371 web-based management interface
2. Possess valid administrative credentials for the device
3. Send crafted HTTP requests containing malicious command sequences to vulnerable endpoints

The attacker exploits the command injection by embedding operating system commands within HTTP request parameters that are processed by the management interface. Due to insufficient input validation, these commands are passed directly to system shell functions and executed with root privileges. This could enable the attacker to modify device configurations, exfiltrate sensitive data, install persistent backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further network attacks.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-20287

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected administrative login attempts or sessions to Cisco WAP371 devices
• Unusual HTTP request patterns containing shell metacharacters (;, |, $(), backticks) in management interface traffic
• Unexpected processes running on the access point device
• Unauthorized configuration changes or new user accounts on the device
• Anomalous outbound network connections from the access point

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP traffic to Cisco WAP371 management interfaces for requests containing command injection patterns
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to device management interfaces
• Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures for command injection attacks
• Enable comprehensive logging on network access points and correlate with SIEM solutions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Audit all administrative access to Cisco WAP371 devices and review authentication logs regularly
• Configure alerts for multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful logins
• Monitor for unusual process execution or network behavior from access point devices
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect potential command injection payloads in HTTP requests

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-20287

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Cisco Security Advisory for specific guidance and updates
• Restrict access to the web-based management interface to trusted networks and IP addresses only
• Audit administrative credentials and ensure strong password policies are enforced
• Consider disabling web-based management if not required and use alternative management methods
• Implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from untrusted networks

Patch Information

Cisco has published a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Cisco Security Advisory (cisco-sa-sb-wap-inject-bHStWgXO) for the latest patch availability and upgrade recommendations.

Note: The Cisco WAP371 has reached end-of-life status. Organizations using this device should evaluate migration to supported hardware platforms that receive security updates.

Workarounds

• Restrict management interface access to trusted IP addresses using access control lists (ACLs)
• Disable remote management via the web interface if not operationally required
• Implement a jump host or bastion architecture for administrative access
• Deploy network-level firewalls to filter traffic to management interfaces
• Consider replacing end-of-life WAP371 devices with current, supported access point models

# Example ACL configuration to restrict management access
# Apply to upstream switch or firewall protecting WAP371 devices
# Allow management access only from trusted admin network
access-list 100 permit tcp 10.0.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 192.168.1.100 eq 443
access-list 100 permit tcp 10.0.10.0 0.0.0.255 host 192.168.1.100 eq 80
access-list 100 deny tcp any host 192.168.1.100 eq 443
access-list 100 deny tcp any host 192.168.1.100 eq 80