CVE-2024-32281 Overview
CVE-2024-32281 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Tenda AC7V1.0 routers running firmware version 15.03.06.44. The flaw resides in the formexeCommand function, which processes the cmdinput parameter without proper sanitization. An authenticated attacker on the network can inject arbitrary operating system commands that execute with router privileges. Successful exploitation allows full compromise of the device, including persistent access, traffic interception, and pivoting into the internal network. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command).
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands on affected Tenda AC7 routers, resulting in complete device takeover and network compromise.
Affected Products
- Tenda AC7 router, hardware version 1.0
- Tenda AC7 firmware version 15.03.06.44
- Deployments exposing the router web management interface to untrusted networks
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-04-17 - CVE-2024-32281 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-32281
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the formexeCommand handler within the router's web management binary. This handler accepts a user-supplied cmdinput parameter and passes it to a system-level command execution routine without validating or sanitizing shell metacharacters. Attackers can append shell operators such as ;, &&, or backticks to the parameter value to break out of the intended command context. The injected commands run in the same process context as the web server, which typically operates with root privileges on consumer routers. This provides direct arbitrary code execution on the underlying Linux operating system.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation and unsafe use of a shell command execution primitive within formexeCommand. User-controlled data flows directly from the HTTP request into a command string that the router passes to a shell interpreter. No allow-list, escaping, or parameterized execution is applied to the cmdinput value.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the router's management interface and low-privilege authentication. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the endpoint that invokes formexeCommand, placing shell metacharacters and payload commands inside the cmdinput parameter. The router executes the injected commands and returns control to the attacker. See the public proof-of-concept writeup for request structure and payload examples.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-32281
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests to router management endpoints containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, backticks) inside the cmdinput parameter
- Unexpected outbound connections originating from the router to attacker-controlled infrastructure
- New or modified files in writable partitions of the router filesystem, such as /tmp or /var
- Unusual telnetd, nc, or wget process activity spawned by the web server process
Detection Strategies
- Inspect network traffic to the router administration interface for requests referencing formexeCommand combined with suspicious parameter content
- Correlate router syslog exports with SIEM rules that flag command injection patterns in HTTP request bodies
- Baseline expected administrative traffic and alert on requests from unusual source addresses or user agents
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router logs to a centralized logging platform and retain HTTP request metadata for forensic review
- Monitor DNS queries and egress flows from router management VLANs for connections to unknown hosts
- Track firmware version and configuration drift across all Tenda devices in the environment
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-32281
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router web management interface to trusted management VLANs and disable remote administration from the WAN
- Rotate administrative credentials on all Tenda AC7 devices and enforce strong, unique passwords
- Audit all Tenda AC7 devices to confirm firmware version and isolate any device running 15.03.06.44 from sensitive network segments
Patch Information
No vendor advisory or fixed firmware release is referenced in the CVE record at the time of publication. Administrators should monitor the Tenda support portal for firmware updates addressing the formexeCommand command injection issue and apply updates as soon as they become available.
Workarounds
- Place affected routers behind a network segmentation boundary that blocks untrusted hosts from reaching the management interface
- Disable the router's web administration service when not actively in use, if the firmware supports it
- Replace end-of-support Tenda AC7 hardware with a currently supported model that receives security updates
# Example: restrict router management interface access with an upstream firewall rule
# Allow only the management workstation to reach the router admin IP
iptables -A FORWARD -s 192.0.2.10 -d 192.168.0.1 -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d 192.168.0.1 -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.
