CVE-2024-27497 Overview
CVE-2024-27497 is an authentication bypass vulnerability affecting the Linksys E2000 router running firmware version 1.0.06 build 1. The flaw resides in the position.js file and allows an adjacent-network attacker to bypass authentication controls without valid credentials. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device. The weakness is classified under [CWE-284] Improper Access Control.
Critical Impact
An unauthenticated attacker on an adjacent network can bypass authentication on the Linksys E2000 router and gain administrative control over the device.
Affected Products
- Linksys E2000 router hardware
- Linksys E2000 firmware version 1.0.06
- Deployments running position.js from build 1
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-01 - CVE-2024-27497 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-27497
Vulnerability Analysis
The Linksys E2000 router exposes an authentication bypass through the position.js file within its web management interface. The router fails to enforce access control checks on requests handled by this resource. As a result, an attacker on the same network segment as the router can interact with privileged functionality without proving identity. The EPSS percentile of 97.85 indicates a high likelihood of exploitation activity relative to the broader CVE population.
The Linksys E2000 is an end-of-life consumer wireless router. No vendor patch is expected because the product line no longer receives security maintenance from Linksys.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper access control [CWE-284] in the web administration interface. The position.js handler does not validate an authenticated session before processing requests. Router firmware trusts client-side state instead of enforcing server-side authentication checks on the resource path.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is Adjacent Network, meaning the attacker must be connected to the same Wi-Fi or LAN segment as the router. No user interaction is required, and no privileges are needed prior to exploitation. Once bypassed, the attacker can manipulate router configuration, alter DNS settings, or pivot into the internal network.
No verified public exploit code is available. Additional technical analysis is documented in the Notion Security Analysis.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27497
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to position.js on the router management interface from LAN clients
- Unauthorized configuration changes on the E2000 device, including DNS server modifications or new port-forwarding rules
- New administrative sessions originating from adjacent-network hosts without corresponding login events
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router access logs for requests to /position.js that occur without a preceding authentication request
- Monitor for changes to router firmware settings, wireless credentials, or DNS configuration outside approved change windows
- Use network traffic analysis to identify HTTP requests targeting the router administrative interface from unexpected internal hosts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router syslog and DHCP events to a centralized logging platform for correlation with endpoint telemetry
- Alert on new devices joining the network segment where the E2000 operates
- Track outbound DNS traffic to detect DNS hijacking that can follow router compromise
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27497
Immediate Actions Required
- Replace the Linksys E2000 with a supported router that receives active firmware updates, as the E2000 is end-of-life
- Restrict access to the router management interface to a dedicated management VLAN or wired connection only
- Disable remote administration and change default administrative credentials on any remaining deployments
Patch Information
No vendor patch is available for CVE-2024-27497. The Linksys E2000 is a legacy consumer product, and firmware version 1.0.06 build 1 remains the latest known release. Organizations should treat the device as unpatchable and plan for hardware replacement.
Workarounds
- Segment the E2000 onto an isolated network with no access to sensitive systems or data
- Disable the wireless radio if the device is used only for wired connectivity, reducing adjacent-network exposure
- Enforce MAC address filtering and WPA2 with a strong pre-shared key to limit which hosts can reach the LAN interface
# Example: Block LAN access to the router admin interface from untrusted subnets
# Replace 192.168.1.1 with the router IP and 192.168.99.0/24 with your trusted mgmt subnet
iptables -A FORWARD -d 192.168.1.1 -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.99.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d 192.168.1.1 -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
